Research Fellow - School of Chemistry - 105885 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking two Postdoctoral Researchers to contribute to advanced MRI methods in electrochemical flow technologies. Candidates will engage in interdisciplinary research aimed at tackling global challenges in energy storage and sustainable practices. Crucial expertise in NMR is required, alongside the opportunity to supervise students and collaborate with leading researchers.

Benefits

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Supportive academic community

Opportunities for collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) required.
• Experience in experimental NMR techniques is necessary.
• Fluency in relevant imaging and spectroscopy methods is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply NMR methodology to electrochemical flow systems.
• Operate and maintain nuclear magnetic resonance and electrochemical instrumentation.
• Supervise Masters and PhD students and guide them in their research projects.

Skills

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Knowledge of pulse programming

Experience with experimental NMR techniques

Education

PhD in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

First degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Electrochemical instrumentation

Flow instrumentation

Job description

Position Details

School of Chemistry

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. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,671.

Full Time

Closing date: 21st July 2025

2 Positions available

• 1x Fixed Term Contract up to August 2028
• 1x Fixed Term Contract up to March 2029

This vacancy may be closed early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range ofactivities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

We are looking for up to two Postdoctoral Researchers to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to advance electrochemical flow technologies, which are emerging as promising more-sustainable solutions for the global challenges of energy storage, materials availability and clean water supply. This project will develop novel in operando electrochemical flow cells and magnetic resonance imaging protocols to characterise the interplay between electrochemistry and flow in a range of systems, including multivalent metal ion batteries, redox flow batteries, electrodialysis and capacitive deionisation. This project is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, bringing together world-leading researchers from across the magnetic resonance, electrochemistry and energy communities. Working with our project partners, we will generate greater understanding of the fundamental molecular processes underpinning these more-sustainable electrochemical applications, leading to an acceleration of their development and ultimate commercialisation.

We are seeking candidates with expertise in magnetic resonance imaging, but will also consider researchers with experience in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of materials. Candidates with experience using in operando magnetic resonance experiments, to study flow or electrochemical energy storage, are particularly welcome to apply. Knowledge of pulse programming and/or hardware design is desirable. Interest in developing and/or applying novel NMR/MRI methodology is essential.

The candidates will be based in the School of Chemistry, located in the University of Birmingham’s newly-built, £90million+ state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building and purpose-built Magnetic Resonance laboratory. The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant, thriving and collegiate academic community, seeking to attract talented people and supporting them to succeed. Our research has a strong focus on four Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and includes a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to management of project and research facility
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse, interpret and disseminate research findings and results
• Report findings to Project Supervisor and Project Partners
• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

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

• To develop and apply nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodology with application to electrochemical and flow systems
• To design and operate electrochemical flow cells and associated materials
• Operate and maintain nuclear magnetic resonance, electrochemical and flow instrumentation
• To work with project supervisor, group members and project partners, attend regular project meetings and give research presentations
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings at progress review meetings with project supervisors and project partners
• Supervise Masters and PhD students on research related work and provide guidance to students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• 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, where appropriate, under supervision of project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews and researcher discussions
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering or cognate discipline
• PhD in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
• Experience with experimental NMR techniques and methods for imaging and spectroscopy and an ability to contribute to developing new methods
• Experience in pulse programme design desirable
• Experience using electrochemical and/or flow instrumentation desirable
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• 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
• 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 Melanie Britton, 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 .