Research Fellow in Li ion Cathode Materials

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2025

Role Summary

The post holder will join the Chemistry groups led by Prof. Peter Slater and Dr Phoebe Allan and will also collaborate with the group of Prof Emma Kendrick (Metallurgy and Materials), and will work on the development of new cathode materials, including detailed characterisation of these materials to understand the factors that limit the performance and lifetime. A truly interdisciplinary project within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, this post will work closely with other researchers in Chemistry, and Metallurgy and Materials. Working on the Catmat project, the post holder will operate within areas of specialism including synthesis and characterisation of cathode materials, analyse and interpret research findings and results. They will also contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and public understanding of the discipline.

The appointed person will collaborate with other researchers in the research groups of Prof Slater and Dr Allan, elsewhere within the School and the University, and across the Catmat consortium including industrial partners. 

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 100 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every member of staff in realising their career potential. With a strong focus on our Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest, we are a dynamic place to work. We have ambitious plans to expand our research activity and are in an exciting period of growth: major investment from the University has delivered a state-of-the-art research building (opened in 2024), and will deliver new multi-million pound high-performance computing facilities, which will ensure UK-leading compute capability. These investments build on a major recent expansion of our academic staff and investment in our teaching and learning provision, with our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which opened September 2018, already revolutionising how we teach undergraduate practical chemistry. 

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism (Chemistry or Materials) and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive experience in Li (or Na) ion battery materials is essential
• Experience in Solid State Chemistry Synthesis techniques, X-ray powder diffraction, Rietveld refinement are essential
• Experience in the characterisation of Li (or Na) ion battery materials is essential
• Experience of research into the synthesis and characterisation of new inorganic solid state materials is essential

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Peter Slater, email: 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.

Closes: 02/12/2024

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