PhD Studentship: Electrode Manufacturing and Design for Next Generation Battery Technologies

Project Description:

Do you want to work on the cutting edge of new battery designs and manufacturing processes? Are you interested in working towards a sustainable future? Would you like to work as part of a multidisciplinary team? Maybe a PhD in the Energy Materials Group, within the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham is for you! This exciting, industrially relevant, PhD project, in collaboration with our industrial partner Agratas, will investigate the intersection between electrochemical performance, microstructure and improving manufacturing processes. The effect of the structural and electrochemical properties will be elucidated. Electrochemical and analytical techniques will be utilised to understand the electrode and cell properties. Manufacturing improvements will be investigated. This PhD project will suit someone with enthusiasm, drive for research, and interest in battery and energy storage technologies and manufacturing. Some characterisation experience in materials or electrochemistry would be helpful but not essential as training and guidance in these techniques will be given. As part of this project, Agratas offer the opportunity to undertake a 3 month secondment.

This PhD studentship is under the supervision of Prof Emma Kendrick, an internationally recognised researcher in the advancement of battery research and based in the Energy Materials Group. The group currently comprises ~40 people investigating all aspects of Li-ion, Na-ion, and other energy storage devices. The state-of-the-art battery research facilities support research in materials and cell manufacturing, characterisation, electrochemical testing and recycling.  

Who are Agratas? Agratas was established in January 2024 as the global cell technology business, part of the Tata group, that will drive electrification for its customers such as Jaguar Land Rover. With global ambitions and an ethos of safety and sustainability woven into the company’s fabric this opportunity will align well with individuals that share ambitions to work at the forefront of a global battery business and see the real world, tangible, outcomes of their work.

Working at UoB. As a researcher at Birmingham, you will benefit from working in an environment where excellent and innovation are made possible by brilliant people, outstanding facilities and strong collaborative networks. You will be joining a global top 100 university tackling some of the most significant issues the world faces, making a difference to people's lives on a daily basis. Within this nurturing academic community, you will be able to contribute to shaping and changing lives. The University Graduate School supports Birmingham’s postgraduate researcher (PGR) and postgraduate taught (PGT) community where we foster interdisciplinary research.

Funding notes:

The candidate will have or expect at least a II(i) Undergraduate honours degree or Masters degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or related discipline. A background in materials or electrochemistry would be advantageous. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, is only available to UK/EU nationals and it will cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year.

Contact for further Information: Informal inquiries may be made to Prof Emma Kendrick (e.kendrick@bham.ac.uk). Applications must be made through the university’s online application system via the above ‘Apply’ button; please provide a cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position; the contact details of two people able to provide a letter of reference; and a full curriculum vitae. Please also send a copy of your full application directly to Prof Kendrick.

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