Closing the Loop: Integrating Disassembly, Diagnostics, and Circular Capabilities for Second-Life Battery Applications
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – Four years fixed term
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: May 2027
For further details contact: Benny Tjahjono
Introduction
Through SRAP, Coventry-based PhD researchers undertake one to two years of research training in Singapore under the joint supervision of researchers from both Coventry and ARTC. The programme offers PhD researchers an exceptional opportunity to gain international research experience while contributing to ambitious, multidisciplinary research addressing global technological and sustainability challenges.
This collaborative PhD programme enables researchers to work at the interface of academic research, advanced engineering and industrial innovation. Researchers will engage with expertise and facilities across both institutions, build international research networks, and develop experience in translating advanced research into practical solutions for future mobility and remanufacturing systems.
The programme is particularly suited to ambitious researchers seeking to shape next-generation electric mobility systems and circular manufacturing technologies, while gaining valuable research experience across the UK and Singapore.
Project details
This PhD research project will investigate how advanced disassembly, diagnostics, data-driven intelligence and remanufacturing technologies can be integrated to enable efficient and sustainable second-life applications for EV batteries businesses.
The project will explore the development of innovative approaches for assessing batteries at the end of their first-life automotive application and determining their suitability for subsequent applications. This will involve investigating how battery condition can be rapidly assessed, how individual modules and cells can be identified and separated, and how diagnostic information can be used to support decisions regarding reuse, remanufacturing and second-life deployment.
A key ambition of the research is to move beyond conventional “end-of-life” thinking and establish a closed-loop approach to electric mobility, in which batteries are developed, monitored, recovered and redeployed throughout multiple stages of their useful life. The research will therefore connect the first life of an electric vehicle battery with its subsequent lives, utilising diagnostics and intelligent decision-making to determine the most appropriate battery circularity pathway.
Research may include:
• Exploration of business models for second-life battery systems, defining the system offering, typologies, target users, performance requirements, and stakeholder roles in delivering Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS).
• Development of disassembly strategies to enable the safe, rapid, and cost-effective recovery of battery modules and components.
• Adoption of automated and semi-automated disassembly technologies capable of efficiently handling diverse battery configurations.
• Development of second-life battery assessment methodologies to identify suitable applications based on battery health, performance, safety, and remaining useful life.
• Development of circular manufacturing and remanufacturing processes to maximise material and component recovery while minimising energy use and waste.
• Techno-economic analysis and environmental assessments to evaluate the sustainability and commercial viability of various circular pathways.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
You’re invited to become part of the Coventry Centre for Doctoral Training in AI (C-CDT AI ): a dynamic, collaborative hub uniting AI staff and PGR researchers from across the University.
As a C-CDT member you’ll benefit from structured AI training (from core research methods to ethics and innovation), interdisciplinary peer networks, specialist supervision, shared GPU/cloud resources, workshops, seminars and industry-focused challenge projects.
This additional training and community, complements your home research centre programme, accelerates your technical and professional development, and connects you with a broad AI research ecosystem tackling impactful problems across sectors.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 4 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additional requirements
Candidates should normally hold, or expect to obtain, a strong first degree and/or master's qualification in a relevant STEM discipline. Suitable backgrounds may include:
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Electrochemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Depending on the specific PhD project, desirable technical experience may include one or more of the following:
• Battery technologies and battery management systems
• Battery testing and characterisation
• Electric vehicle or electric propulsion systems
• Remanufacturing and circular economy
• Lifecycle assessment or techno-economic analysis
Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and an enthusiasm for addressing complex engineering and sustainability challenges.
Candidates should be capable of working independently while also contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team. Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and scientific writing skills are essential.
As the programme involves international collaborative research and an extended research attachment in Singapore, candidates should also demonstrate adaptability, cultural awareness, effective communication and a willingness to work in an international research environment.
Candidates may be required to satisfy the academic, English-language, immigration, security and other eligibility requirements of Coventry University, A*STAR and the Singapore Research Attachment Programme.
