Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Battery Technology

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the group of Dr Yang Xu in the Department of Chemistry at University College London. The appointee will investigate potassium-sulphur batteries. A key feature of the project will be to understand the electrochemistry of potassium-sulphur reactions including the behaviour of electrochemical potassium plating/stripping on current collector and the phase transition of sulphur oxidation/reduction reactions, to improve the kinetics of potassium-sulphur reactions by developing electrocatalysts. The position is funded by the Leverhulme Trust for up to 36 months. The candidates will join the research team of Dr Yang Xu in the Department of Chemistry at the Bloomsbury Campus of University College London. Information about Dr Yang Xu’s research can be found at https://xulab.uk.

The postholder will be required to investigate the anode/electrolyte interfacial kinetics and reduce metal dendrite growth, examine the multi-phase reactions of the cathode and phase sequence of the oxidation/reduction of the cathode, and discovery and synthesis efficient catalysts to improve the kinetics of the cell reaction and the performance of the cell. The appointee will be part of a collaboration team and as such be required to present results and contribute significantly to a feedback loop. Experimental work will be carried out independently but also as part of a team of researchers based in the Department of Chemistry, and through collaborations with other research collaborators. The postholders will be expected to supervise PhD and master’s students, write drafts of reports and papers, and manage lab safety.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related subject. Expertise in conversion cathode materials and alkali metal batteries as well as experience in mechanistic investigation of battery electrochemistry via a suite of in-situ/ex-situ characterisations are essential. They should have an appropriate publication track record, demonstrated commitment to excellence, and exceptional skills in mechanistic study of battery electrochemistry. They will be expected to work closely with existing group members and collaborative team, offer supervision and support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

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