Fall 2026 PhD Battery & Sustainability Intern - Battery Research and Development

Description

The Advanced Materials & Chemistries group within GM Battery Research and Development (BRD) is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join our research team as an intern. In this role, you will plan and execute collaborative research that advances battery materials, components, and electrochemical technologies for next-generation electric vehicles.

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the Research Administration Building at our Global Technical Center in Warren, MI three times per week, at minimum.

The Role

As a Fall intern, you will work with scientists, engineers, laboratory personnel, operations teams, and external collaborators to develop new knowledge, evaluate technical concepts, and translate promising research into practical solutions. Depending on the assignment, your work may contribute to external publications and/or intellectual property.

Potential research areas

Development of high-performance, durable, and cost-effective battery materials

Cathode, anode, electrolyte, and additive development

Battery materials synthesis, processing, and scale-up considerations

Materials and component optimization for high-energy and high-power battery systems

Electrochemical characterization and performance evaluation

Materials, interfaces, and degradation-mechanism studies

Advanced methods for battery testing, characterization, and data analysis

Cell design, integration, benchmarking, and failure analysis

What you’ll do

Conduct research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas

Document and present results. Depending on the assignment, results could lead to external publications and/or intellectual property

Assist lab management in identifying mega trends in technology and business strategies in the automotive sector

Develop and execute specific research plans, including concept generation, development, implementation, and validation

Collaborate effectively with peers, management, operations groups, and outside organizations

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrochemistry, physics, or a related science or engineering discipline.

Research experience in battery materials, materials synthesis, electrochemical systems, or a closely related field.

Strong theoretical and experimental problem-solving skills.

Ability to design experiments, interpret results, and draw technically sound conclusions.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated commitment to integrity, accountability, safety, and responsible research practices.

What will give you a competitive edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Prior internship experience in automotive, battery technology, or manufacturing

Knowledge of and hands-on experience with both battery materials and cell chemistry development

Experience with cell fabrication and testing

Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills to effectively collaborate with varying levels of organization as needed

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, especially the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into comprehensive, impactful insights

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill sophisticated subjects to a wider audience

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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