FLOWCAT Post-Doctoral Researcher

1000scholars; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Birmingham is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Battery Materials and Interfaces) to work within the Energy Materials Group on the FLOWCAT project. The role involves developing a continuous flow process for cathode precursor synthesis, preparing and testing cathode materials and batteries.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and experience with co-precipitation and battery material characterisation and

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion, post-viva) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Expertise in battery materials by co-precipitation and electrode manufacture/testing.

Responsibilities

• Working towards the objectives of the FLOWCAT research project.
• Carrying out cathode materials synthesis, characterisation, and battery testing.
• Analysing and interpreting data, and presenting it in regular meetings.
• Contributing to the writing of research papers.
• Supervising students on research related work and providing guidance to PhD students.

Skills

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Co-precipitation synthesis

Cathode materials synthesis

Battery electrochemistry

Education

PhD (or near completion) in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Materials Science

Job description

Position Details

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Battery Materials and Interfaces) / Position number: 108087

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2027 with possibility of extension depending on funding

Job Summary

The postholder will work within the Energy Materials Group (EMG) under the line management of Dr Dominic Spencer-Jolly on the EPSRC-funded project, FLOWCAT (Flow synthesis of lithium-rich cathodes).

The post holder will continue ongoing work on the development of a continuous flow process for cathode precursor synthesis. They will: (1) synthesise and characterise cathode precursors prepared by continuous flow co-precipitation; (2) synthesise and characterise final cathode materials; (3) prepare and electrochemically test battery cells using cathodes made by this method.

Main Responsibilities

• Working towards the objectives of the FLOWCAT research project
• Carrying out cathode materials synthesis, characterisation, and battery testing
• Analysing and interpreting data, and presenting it in regular meetings
• Contributing to the writing of research papers
• Supervising students on research related work and providing guidance to PhD students

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near completion, post-viva) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or other relevant to the research area.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluent understanding of: (1) preparation of battery materials by co-precipitation methods; (2) characterisation of cathode particles by techniques including electron microscopy, particle size analysis, tap density analysis, and X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement; (3) battery electrochemistry.
• Previous experience of (1) synthesis of battery materials by co-precipitation, and (2) electrode manufacture, battery assembly, and electrochemical testing.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Dominic Spencer-Jolly ([e-mail])

Please quote Job Ref 108087 in all enquiries.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

£36,636 to £46,049 (c.) with potential progression once in post to £48,822. Grade 7