Postdoctoral Research Associate - Development of electrolytes for energy storage (Fixed Term)

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a research group focused on energy storage technologies. The role involves conducting research on pyridinium-based electrolytes, exploring their applications in flow battery systems, and contributing to groundbreaking findings in the field. Candidates should have a PhD in Chemistry or a related field, with a strong background in synthetic chemistry and electrochemistry. This is a unique opportunity to influence sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Career development opportunities

Collaborative research environment

Qualifications

• PhD required with a focus on energy storage technologies.
• Experience in synthetic chemistry and characterisation techniques.
• Expertise in electrochemistry and redox flow battery systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on pyridinium electrolytes for energy storage.
• Explore supramolecular assemblies in energy storage applications.
• Investigate mechanisms of capacity fade in batteries.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Electrochemistry

Spectroscopic techniques

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR

UV/Vis spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy

EPR

Job description

Overview

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 months in the first instance.

We are currently seeking a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to join the group of Professor Oren Scherman in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry on a multidisciplinary project funded by an ERC Proof of Concept grant (AEROBEST). We are seeking a motivated and talented PDRA to join our dynamic team to further develop groundbreaking research on pyridinium-based electrolytes for long duration energy storage and associated technologies. This role focuses on advancing our understanding of redox processes and mechanisms that affect air tolerance in flow-battery systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in designing, characterising, and optimising electrolyte systems to improve energy storage performance and longevity.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the next generation of energy storage technologies with potential real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research on pyridinium electrolytes for energy storage systems.
• Explore supramolecular assemblies of a synthetic library of pyridinium electrolyte molecules and their structure-property relationships in the context of applications in energy storage.
• Investigate the role of pi-dimerization and intra- and intermolecular electron pairing in suppressing capacity fade due to radical reactivity and air exposure.
• Employ a range of techniques to study redox behaviour of electrolytes.
• Devise experiments on charge-discharge processes and mechanisms of capacity fade under battery operating conditions.
• Analyse experimental data, prepare reports, and publish findings in high-impact journals.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate must have a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong focus on energy storage technologies.
• Strong background in synthetic chemistry, both synthesis and characterisation and associated characterisation techniques (NMR, UV/Vis, vibrational spectroscopy etc).
• Expertise in electrochemistry, ideally within redox flow battery systems.
• Experience with a range of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, EPR) and electrochemical characterisation methods.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong publication record related to electronic materials, supramolecular systems, and electron transfer processes.
• Effective time management and organisation skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, work under pressure, and manage communication across multi-centre partners.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a leading research group at the forefront of energy storage innovations.
• Opportunity to influence and drive real-world solutions for sustainable energy storage.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and collaborative research environments.
• Career development opportunities through mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

How to apply

Click the Apply button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Inquiries about this post should be addressed to Professor Oren Scherman (email: [e-mail]) or Dr Jade McCune (email: [e-mail]).

Please quote reference MA46953 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.