Senior Researcher - Battery Materials

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI five days per week.

The Role

As a Senior Researcher in the Battery Materials and Interfacial Chemistry team at GM Battery R&D, you will drive next‑generation of battery material development and key enablers in advanced battery chemistry, cell design, and system integration to support GM’s battery technology roadmap across a broad EV portfolio.

What You’ll Do

• Design and synthesize novel battery cathode materials, including active materials and surface or bulk modifications.

• Perform material‑level characterization and analysis, correlating structure, morphology, and properties with performance.

• Lead battery electrode formulation optimization and cell integration as needed.

• Conduct battery cell performance evaluation, failure mode diagnosis, and root‑cause analysis, followed by design and process optimization.

• Generate innovative ideas and propose new R&D projects.

• Develop and execute technical work plans, from concept through development and evaluation to meet customer needs.

• Lead research and/or experiments to collect required data and validate research ideas in developing. Lead technical discussion reviews.

• Communicate ideas, plans, and results effectively through presentations and written reports.

• Manage relationships and grow partnership with diverse stakeholders and collaborate across functions and organizations to meet project objectives.

• Observe and ensure support personnel proper safety practices and ensure personal protective equipment is in working order. Communicate laboratory hazards appropriately.

What You’ll Need (Required Qualifications)

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field with demonstrated research capability in battery materials or electrochemistry.

• 2+ years post doctorate relevant industry experience.

• In‑depth knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art technologies in battery research and development.

• Hands‑on experience in battery material synthesis, processing, and electrochemical characterization techniques.

• Proven ability to generate innovative ideas, propose, plan, and execute research projects.

• Ability to design, execute, and document experiments for material development and evaluation.

• Strong capability to analyze and interpret experimental data and link results to underlying mechanisms.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.

• Ability to lead technical discussions within project and team settings.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with GM internal and external partners.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Hands‑on experience with chemical or materials characterization methods (e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, etc.).

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• 3–5 years of experience in battery cathode material development in industry, a national laboratory, or equivalent R&D environment.

• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience with Battery material synthesis and scale‑up, or Cell fabrication and testing with pouch or cylindrical cells.

• Deep understanding of electrochemical reaction phenomena and degradation mechanisms in Li‑ion or next‑generation battery systems.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or