POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, MIT Mobility Initiative-Urban Studies and Planning, reports directly to the MMI Executive Director and works closely with the MMI Faculty Director and other MMI colleagues. Will conduct research into the reuse, recovery, and recyclability of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries to help mitigate resource constraints, reduce mining/emissions, and lower lifecycle costs, via a circular battery economy that depends on the complex interplay of technical, business, and regulatory factors. This research aims to develop a dynamic systems model that links these interconnected technical, business, and regulatory factors to simulate and explore how different futures might unfold. The goal is to identify conditions and scenarios under which circular battery practices may become self-sustaining, economically viable, and resilient to market volatility.

REQUIRED: PhD in relevant domains such as battery chemistry, material science, recycling, automotive engineering. PREFERRED: Experience working with modeling tools such as Vensim, etc.; experience working with business on strategic issues, ideally with a global corporation; and has a deep understanding of the science of circularity (material science, chemistry) and the business dynamics/economics of the circular economy.

Candidate needs to come to MIT 2-3 days a week. This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding from the sponsor - a major automotive OEM.

1/14/2026