Research Fellow (KTP Associate)

Job Description

We are currently looking to appoint a Research Associate in Materials Science which has become available within the Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC) at the University of South Wales. This project will focus on the delivery of a Knowledge Exchange Partnership (KTP) project funded by UKRI and Dragon Recycling Solutions Ltd. The majority of the work will be carried out at the partner site.

The main purpose of this position will be to implement an enduring process to recover critical raw materials when recycling lithium-based batteries at an industrial scale. These will involve separation, purification and analyses of the materials. The Associate will have access to professional development workshops and an opportunity to lead a sector of the business with the potential to establish a permanent post. The work will be carried out in collaboration with an academic team in SERC at USW and a business professional team at Dragon Recycling Solutions Ltd based in Tredegar-South Wales.

The role will require a highly motivated individual with self-drive, experience in handling a broad range of materials and compounds. The postholder will have experience in the characterization of materials via a broad range of analytical techniques. They will be expected to demonstrate a pro-active attitude, leadership and significant initiative towards further developing the project. This role will also require the ability to prepare detailed technical reports and contribution to publications in the area of material sciences and battery recycling. The primary focus of the role will entail carrying out research activities in the laboratory and implement the methodologies at the business premisses.

The postholder will be based primarily at the industrial partner company site; this position will provide you with a role where you can utilize a broad range of research skills across Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Sciences.

The Research Associate will be expected to work independently and as part of a team and demonstrate leadership skills. The primary role of the appointee will be to achieve the project objectives from the experimental standpoint. The Associate will also be expected to work on business analysis for the utilisation of the recycled battery materials and engage with other potential industrial partners in addition to contribute to all aspects of the research including planning, development and dissemination of the research outcomes. It is also expected that the associate will visit international industrial partners in mainland Europe to engage with business expansion. Therefore, we seek a highly skilled, experienced researcher with a strong track record in recycling and characterization of battery or related materials.

This post is a full time, fixed-term post for 24-month with the potential to become a permanent post with the industrial partner after completion of the project.

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