Research Fellow (Circular Economy for Transport Solutions) - School of Metallurgy and Materials - 10

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a highly motivated researcher to focus on the circular economy in electric vehicle battery production and recycling. This full-time position involves advanced analysis of waste streams and their environmental impacts, contributing to significant sustainability goals in the West Midlands. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities and relevant expertise in life cycle assessments.

Benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion focus

Contribution to sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• First degree in area of specialism.
• Background in quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research.
• Demonstrable knowledge of life cycle assessment.
• High level of analytical capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
• Collect research data through various research methods.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Present research outputs to academic and non-academic audiences.

Skills

life cycle assessment

techno-economic modelling

materials flow analysis

energy storage or battery supply chain modelling

recycling processes

Education

Higher degree relevant to transport or energy systems

Job description

Job Description

Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 1st September 2025

Background

The Global Centre for Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS) is recruiting a highly motivated researcher with a background in life cycle assessment applied to energy storage and/or battery supply chains, to join a successful team at the University of Birmingham.

In line with the principles of Net Zero Pollution, the primary aim of this role is to advance understanding of how a circular economy can be developed for the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries, focusing on the growing waste streams from future battery production facilities. In this role, you will track the source and content of these wastes and quantitatively assess the wider environmental, social and technoeconomic impacts, using tools such as life cycle assessment and materials flow analysis. One key waste stream to analyse is that of production scrap, which can be recovered through a range of low impact recycling processes. Another waste stream comes from the chemicals used in battery production, which need to be recovered, purified and reused, following green chemistry principles. The analysis will include the specification of a hypothetical battery gigafactory, which recovers all of its waste streams and channels them back into new production processes, where possible. The case study region proposed for this is the West Midlands.

The focus of this role is to explore how a circular economy can be developed for the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries in the West Midlands, accounting for waste streams and their recovery, or environmentally benign treatment. The post will be part of the CLEETS project.

The position requires an individual with a high-level of analytical capability. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:

• life cycle assessment,
• life cycle social assessment,
• techno-economic modelling,
• materials flow analysis,
• energy storage or battery supply chain modelling,
• energy storage or battery production,
• recycling processes.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required. These include:
  • Assessing the scale of waste streams from future battery production facilities and quantitatively assess their environmental, social and technoeconomic impacts, using established life cycle methods.
  • Determining the source, content and mechanisms for recovery of these waste stream materials, with a particular focus on production scrap.
  • Tracking waste from source to reprocessing, using materials flow analysis.
  • Using the West Midlands as a case study, defining key features of a hypothetical battery gigafactory which recovers all of its gas, liquid and solid waste streams and channels them back into new production processes, where possible, or for safe disposal, where recycling is not possible.
  • Co-creating development scenarios/pathways for a net zero production and recycling ecosystem, again using the West Midlands as a case study EV. Assess and compare the local environmental, social and economic impacts of these circular battery economy scenarios.
• Decide, in consultation with the principal investigator and others as appropriate, the most appropriate way of undertaking the specified research activities
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Decide, in collaboration with co-authors, which aspects of the research findings to include in a presentation or a publication and how to convey the findings.
• Present research outputs to academic and non-academic audiences, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Give presentations and/or contribute to presentations at national and/or international conferences
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the energy and transport systems research programme
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort, as well as to engage relevant expertise across the University and with external partners
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Contribute to deciding what information to include in a bid for research funding and how to present the bid to maximise the likelihood of securing the funding
• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to transport or energy systems, or energy storage or battery supply chains, or equivalent qualifications
• Background may be in quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research but should be able to effectively work across disciplines
• Demonstrable knowledge of life cycle assessment, and/or technoeconomic assessment and/or materials flow analysis, are desirable
• High level of analytical capability, with good knowledge of energy and/or transport infrastructure systems
• Experience in participatory methods and stakeholder engagement approaches would be an advantage
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly for academic and non-academic audiences
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and contribution to broader management/administration processes
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Jacqueline Edge, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.