Available PhD Position in Li Metal Batteries
(updated in August 2026)
Job Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join the Advanced Materials & Electrochemistry for Energy (AMEE) Research Group in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The position is available for the Spring or Fall 2026 semester.
The successful candidate will investigate chemo-mechanical instabilities in electrochemical energy storage materials, with a primary focus on lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. Specific research directions will be tailored to the interests and background of the selected student. Applicants with degrees in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply.
Our Offer: The selected student will receive comprehensive training in electrochemistry, defect chemistry, mechanics of materials, advanced characterization techniques, and materials synthesis and fabrication. In particular, the student will gain hands-on experience with operando techniques for monitoring stress and strain evolution in battery electrodes during electrochemical cycling.
Students in the AMEE Research Group are encouraged and supported to present their research at leading international conferences and to collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry.
About Our Research Group: The Advanced Materials & Electrochemistry for Energy (AMEE) Research Group conducts cutting-edge research on the fundamental mechanisms governing electrochemical energy storage materials. Our research combines electrochemistry, mechanics, and advanced operando characterization techniques to understand and improve next-generation battery materials. AMEE alumni have gone on to successful careers as scientists at universities and national laboratories, as well as engineers and researchers in the battery industry.
About UMBC: The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a nationally recognized research university known for excellence in research, innovative teaching, and an inclusive academic community. Located just outside Baltimore, UMBC offers convenient access to Washington, D.C., national laboratories, government agencies, and numerous technology and energy companies.
The region also provides abundant recreational opportunities, including state parks, beaches, hiking trails, and mountains, as well as world-class museums, cultural attractions, and multiple international airports.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should email the following materials to amee@umbc.edu with the subject line “Application for Ph.D. Position – AMEE Lab”:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- A brief cover letter describing research interests and career goals
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Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Overview: We are looking for motivated undergraduate students who are interested in learning about electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems such as batteries and hydrogen storage.
Job Description: An undergraduate student will learn the fundamentals of electrochemistry and its applications in batteries and / or other electrochemical systems. No previous experience is required. We are looking for ambitious undergraduate students with great skills in communication, leadership and team player. The students will have a chance to learn how to manufacture and test batteries. The students will work under the supervision of a graduate student and they are expected to work an average of 10 h per week. Students may register for ENCH468 for research credit.
How to apply: Please send an email to capraz@umbc.edu with the subject of “Undergraduate Research Application in AMEE Lab”. The email should include a short cover letter, unofficial copy of your transcript and CV.
Opportunities for Scholars / Fellowships
If you are interested in applying for scholarships or fellowships programs and looking for a mentor, please contact us! We would love to hear your ideas and support your applications for the scholarship. Please send email to capraz@umbc.edu with the title of “Opportunities for Scholars / Fellowships in AMEE Lab” along with your short cover letter, CV and transcript. Some of the opportunities are listed below (given to our knowledge) but there may be more!
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship
- DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
- Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
- 2214-A Yurt Dışı Doktora Sırası Araştırma Burs Programı