PhD - Data-Driven Modelling and Optimisation of Foam for High-Voltage-Batteries (f/m/x)

THE FUTURE IS WHAT WE CREATE WHEN WE TAKE OUR VISIONS TO THE LIMITS.

PHD AT THE BMW GROUP.

Bridging the gap between your doctoral studies and the kind of career challenge you’re looking for isn’t always easy. That’s why our ProMotion PhD programme gives you the opportunity to apply your passion and scientific expertise to very real challenges that could shape the future of mobility. If selected, you’ll have the chance to really develop your own future career path with us through your practice-related thesis, promote your chosen specialty from within – and position yourself to secure the career you’ve always wanted.

We, the BMW Group, offer you an exciting and varied PhD project in the field of passive safety simulation - high-voltage batteries. Our simulation experts work day in and day out on the development of new battery-powered vehicles. With your PhD thesis, you will help ensure that our new e-models meet the highest crash requirements.

What awaits you?

•  As part of your PhD thesis, you will develop and validate data-driven microstructure models linking foam production parameters to mechanical performance in EV high-voltage storage.
• Build and apply surrogate models and optimization routines to achieve weight reduction, cost efficiency, and safety targets.
• Besides you will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (materials, mechanical engineering, data science, production) and integrate experimental validation.
• You will gain interesting insights into the development work of high-voltage batteries in the area of crash tests and simulation.
• While you will receive excellent scientific support and will be part of our motivated, cross-functional team.

What should you bring along?

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, data science, materials science, physics or a comparable degree.
• Strong experience with finite element methods and/or other numerical simulations.
• Background in polymer/foam mechanics or microstructure modeling.
• Knowledge of optimization (multidisciplinary, gradient-free/gradient-based).
• Proficient in Python; MATLAB or other ML/data-science tools a plus.
• Ideally proficiency in ML/AI methods (regression, cross-validation, hyperparameter tuning) and data-driven and surrogate modeling.
• Very good English skills; very good German skills will be a plus.

You are enthused by new technologies, an innovative environment and enjoy working in international teams? Apply now!
Note: Please apply exclusively online through our career portal. Applications submitted via other channels (including email) cannot be considered. Citizens of countries outside the European Union must have a valid residence or work permit for the duration of the program.

What do we offer?

• Comprehensive mentoring & onboarding.
• Personal & professional development.
• Flexible working hours.
• Digital offers & mobile working.
• Attractive, fair remuneration.
• Apartment offers for students (subject to availability & only Munich).
• And many other benefits - see bmw.jobs/benefits

Earliest starting date: 01/01/2026

Duration: 36 months

Working hours: Full-time

Do you have any questions? Then simply send your enquiry using our contact form. Your enquiry will then be answered by telephone or e-mail.

At the BMW Group, we place great importance on equal treatment and equal opportunities. Our recruiting decisions are based on the personality, experience, and skills of the applicants.

Learn more here.