Associate Professor (Education & Research) in Energy Materials

We are looking for a full-time, permanent, internationally recognised leader in materials for energy materials aligned with the Department’s Engineering 2030 strategy focused on advancing the research in this area.

Building on the department’s internationally recognised expertise in advanced materials such as high-performance polymers and composites, porous materials and nanomaterials, the goal is to expand its capabilities in energy materials from manufacturing to testing and modelling under extreme environments.

Over the next two years the department aims to recruit a strong team of academic experts specialising in energy materials characterisation, manufacturing and testing alongside establishing a state-of- the-art lab to lead the energy materials research at Exeter. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the Department Research Lead, Prof Oana Ghita in building up the team and the energy materials lab.

We are particularly interested in driven individuals keen to foster a dynamic and productive research environment and can provide leadership and mentorship to early career staff.

You will have the opportunity to influence the design of the energy materials lab due to being built throughout 2026.

The department of Engineering has recently embarked on an ambitious strategy programme – Exeter Engineering 2030, which is seeking to expand core capabilities and create new ones in Engineering by investing over £15million and 40 new academic positions. Our vision is to harness the power of engineering and innovation to create a sustainable and healthier future. The strategy is underpinned by significant investment in staff and facilities, and it aims to build on our existing strengths and continue to develop emerging areas, contributing to the University’s Strategy 2030.

Main duties

1. To fulfil research, teaching and administration duties as an Associate Professor in Materials and Chemical Engineering.
2. To support the Department in extending the profile of this research area by attracting and supervising exceptional postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate research students, contributing towards the winning of significant research income, and by undertaking elements of the day-to-day running of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
3. To collaborate with colleagues both within the Faculty, the University and the Department in order to support and develop relevant and internationally leading research programmes.
4. To contribute to the general operation of the Department as a member of its academic team.

About you
You will have a strong track record of research. You will complement the existing activities of the Engineering Materials and Manufacturing Research Theme and the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing.

They will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

1. A PhD or equivalent in Engineering or a related subject.
2. Possess in-depth knowledge and specialism in energy materials to enable the development of new knowledge, innovation and understanding in the field in one of the following areas: i) development of materials for low costs and conformable energy storage, transport and use, ii) surface interactions (liquid/gas) and materials (composite/polymer/metal). iii) manufacturing aligned for the overall storage system (iii) modelling and simulation of degradation/accelerated processes driven by hydrogen diffusion and material embrittlement.
3. A strong track record of world-leading academic publications in leading international journals.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the post please contact Professor Oana Ghita, O.Ghita@exeter.ac.uk or Professor Ion Sucala, Head of Engineering, I.Sucala@exeter.ac.uk.

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