Research Associate in Reference Electrodes for Automated Battery Research

The project is an industry-academic collaboration, funded through the UKRI IAA scheme. The academic lead is based at the Royce Hub building at the University of Manchester, where the labs possess state-of-the-art electrochemical facilities. The industrial collaborator is a dynamic Manchester-based SME company, who primarily manufacture automated equipment for battery research and production.

Overall Purpose of the Job

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is funded by the IAA Pilot, which is a scheme to accelerate the “impact” of research undertaken within university labs by translating technology to industry. Cellerate, the industrial collaborator, wish to develop and evaluate reference electrodes battery applications, specifically for their advanced test cell format (Protocell).

Cellerate have considerable expertise in the automation of cell assemble and will be providing access to high precision cell assembly equipment. The project will assess the performance of suitable reference electrodes, and evaluate their performance within Cellerate’s new test cell format. The proximity of the industrial and university labs (ca. 1 mile apart) will facilitate close collaboration between the groups.

The role will require the design and fabrication of suitable reference electrodes, automatic assembly of test cells, electrochemical analysis of performance and reporting of results. The researcher will gain experience with the latest automated battery research techniques and develop knowledge in state-of-the-art electrochemical testing technology.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Robert Dryfe

Email: robert.dryfe@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.