Research Fellow in Prototyping Advanced Li Batteries Using Scalable Templating Layers

About us

UCL Department of Chemical Engineering is one of the top research and teaching departments in the UK and has world-class standing. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and has an extensive research portfolio across a wealth of areas, and from molecular scale to complex systems. It is undergoing a period of rapid growth, and is the home of the EPSRC “Frontier Engineering” Centre for Nature Inspired Engineering, as well as the Electrochemical Innovation Laboratory. For more information see www.ucl.ac.uk/chemeng.

The Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) is a world-leading centre of research excellence. One of the largest and most dynamic groups in the world specializing in electrochemical science and technology, our activities continue to expand with a new initiative, the Advanced Propulsion Lab (part of UCL East) and substantial research funding from the Faraday Institution. For more information see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/electrochemical-innovation-lab/

About the role

The post holder will be required to undertake research to prototype advanced Li batteries using our scalable thin films as templating layers, elevating the technology readiness level for commercialisation.

The project objectives include showcasing advanced battery prototypes using scalable templating layers based on Li-Al-P-O chemistry, extending the technology to higher TRLs, understanding the hurdles to commercialisation and leveraging the outcomes for a successful proof-of-concept.

Main duties include:

• making battery cells for lithium-ion batteries and all-solid-state batteries (coin up to pouch cells);
• making battery cells based on different approaches including cathode coating, anode coating, and anode-free configuration;
• conducting electrochemical characterisation of battery cells (e.g., EIS, CV, cycling tests);
• analysing battery materials and battery cells by various techniques (e.g., X-ray CT, SEM, TEM).

This is a fixed-term role until 30th of June 2025 in the first instance.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About you

The ideal candidate will therefore have a strong background in electrochemistry and Li battery technologies, including experience in Li battery cell assembly and characterisation.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact Dr Yaoguang Song , or Lizzie Howie

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or , please contact .

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.

Advert information