Research Assistant

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY; Jersey Marine; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Swansea University is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Department of Chemical Engineering. You will contribute to developing advanced polymer electrolyte materials for sodium-ion battery technologies, focusing on synthesis, optimisation and characterisation of polymers and thin gel polymer electrolyte membranes using a range of processing, analytical and electrochemical techniques.

The role includes fabricating and testing laboratory-scale sodium-ion batteries, analysing data, and

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, optimise and characterise functional polymers for sodium-ion battery membranes.
• Fabricate and test laboratory-scale sodium-ion batteries.
• Analyse experimental data and work with an industrial partner to translate findings to scalable processes.

Job description

• Job Number: SU01715
• Contract Type: Fixed Term
• Salary: £34,610 to £38,784 per annum
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Faculty/Directorate: Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Location: Bay Campus, Swansea
• Closing Date: 22 Oct 2026
• Interview Date: 29 Oct 2026
• Informal Enquiries: Zari Tehrani [e-mail]

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Chemical Engineering at Swansea University as a Research Assistant, contributing to research focused on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte materials for sodium-ion battery technologies.

The successful candidate will work on the synthesis, optimisation and characterisation of functional polymers and thin gel polymer electrolyte membranes, using a range of polymer processing, analytical and electrochemical techniques.

The role will also involve fabricating and testing laboratory-scale sodium-ion batteries, analysing experimental data, and working closely with an industrial partner to translate laboratory findings towards scalable membrane fabrication and coating processes.

This 12-month fixed-term position, based at the Bay Campus, offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative energy-storage research within a collaborative academic and industrial environment, while developing expertise in polymer science, membrane technology, electrochemistry and battery testing

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignm****

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.