Research Associate (ReLiB - anodes)

Hours: Part Time (15 working hours per week).
Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2025.

The post is a fixed term 2 days per week (till 30/9/25) research associate position on the “Nextrode project” funded by the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research and skills development. The Faraday Institution vision is to bring together scientists and industry partners on research projects to reduce battery cost, weight, and volume; to improve performance and reliability (faraday.ac.uk).

Nextrode project summary: Today, all electrodes for mass market lithium-ion batteries are made by slurry casting. The process involves mixing electrochemically active materials, additives and binders, and produces electrodes with randomly distributed pores and materials, in what is a quick and productive process. However, recent research at the laboratory scale has demonstrated that new manufacturing methods can produce “smart” electrodes with 30% more capacity and 50% lower degradation rates, which could enable EVs with longer range and batteries that are more durable. Even bigger benefits could be achieved once more is understood about the science of smart electrodes and how to scale up production for industry. The Nextrode project has been formed to research new methods for manufacturing smarter electrodes and to put them onto the path to commercialisation.

The post holder will join the Chemistry groups led by Prof. Peter Slater, and Prof Emma Kendrick, and will work on the development of strategies to improve Li ion battery electrode performance, in particular aiming to develop low cost strategies to enhance energy density, while preserving high rate capability. A truly interdisciplinary project within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, this post will work closely with other researchers in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy and Materials. 

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing papers/reports 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to results report writing for potential IP protection and/or publications

Main Duties

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

• Collect research data via experiments carried out on the analysis and manufacture of Li ion battery electrodes
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting reports for potential IP protection and/or academic publications 
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

• Hold a first degree in Chemistry/Materials, or a closely related area.
• Practical experience in the area of Li/Na ion batteries.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information clearly

Informal enquiries to Peter Slater p.r.slater@bham.ac.uk.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Advert information