Research Assistant/Associate in Emulsion Templating of Battery Materials

1000scholars; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking an experimental postdoctoral researcher to create architected materials using protein guided assembly in micro-emulsion templates. You will work in the NanoManufacturing group in the Department of Engineering to advance nanotechnology and manufacturing processes, collaborating with teams across Cambridge, Liverpool and the Netherlands.

The role emphasizes emulsion-templating, colloidal self-assembly, and Li-ion battery applications; a PhD is required, with

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion required.
• Experience in emulsion-templating and self-assembly is valued.
• Background in physical chemistry, engineering or materials science.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable droplet generation tools for templates of protein guided assembly and bio-mineralisation.
• Evaluate structured materials in Li-ion batteries.
• Collaborate with Cambridge, Liverpool and Netherlands teams.

Skills

Emulsion templating

Colloidal self-assembly

Li-ion batteries

Protein guided assembly

Ink-jet printing

Education

PhD or near completion

Tools

Membrane emulsification

Job description

Location: West Cambridge, UK

Applications are invited for an experimental postdoctoral researcher to create architected materials using protein guided assembly in micro-emulsion templates. The researcher will be part of the NanoManufacturing group in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge (http://www.nanomanufacturing.eng.cam.ac.uk/), which looks at various aspects of nanotechnology and manufacturing processes as well as energy storage systems. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with other leading research teams in Cambridge as well as Liverpool and the Netherlands. Collaborating with these groups will create a stimulating work environment with exciting opportunities for personal development and learning about different fields of research. This is a diverse team that values collaboration, scientific excellence and research integrity and the project's goal is to reduce our reliance on rare earths and critical minerals in Li-Ion battery cathodes and magnets.

The selected candidate will play a key role in the development of scalable droplet generation tools such as membrane emulsification and ink-jet printing as templates for protein guided assembly and bio-mineralisation. These structured materials will then be evaluated in Li-ion batteries, which is a research area in which the host group specialises. We will consider candidates with various research backgrounds including physical chemistry, engineering and material science. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in emulsion-templating, colloidal self-assembly, and/or Li-ion batteries. Applicants are required to have a PhD or being close to obtaining a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD.

Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

• Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608
• Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed-term:

The funding is for 18 months or through until 01/03/2028, whichever of these comes soonest.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Holly Shaw, [e-mail]

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion 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.