Research Fellow in Li ion cathode materials - School of Chemistry - 58242 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

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

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2025

Closing date: 21st January 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

The project aims to develop new cathode materials for use in lithium ion batteries. The applicant will prepare and characterise a range of new cathode materials in order to examine their suitability for operation in a lithium ion battery.

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 are a collegiate School community. You will demonstrate academic citizenship, develop and maintain generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with the School, ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others carry out theirs.

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 their performance and lifetime. A truly interdisciplinary project within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the post holder will work closely with other researchers in Chemistry, and Metallurgy and Materials. Working on the ‘Catmat’ project (which is due to finish 30/09/2025), 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.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism and with other researchers involved in this consortium project
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Publish research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
• Participate in and present at meetings at conferences, particularly consortium meetings
• Liaise with other partner universities and industries to identify, assess and optimise potential new battery materials.

Main Duties

• To synthesise Li ion battery electrode materials via solid state, co-precipitation, and mechanochemistry routes, developing appropriate methodologies to ensure high purity samples
• To characterise the purity of these materials through X-ray diffraction
• To elucidate any changes to the structure/composition under operating conditions
• To characterise the performance of these materials in a Li ion battery
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism (Chemistry or Materials) and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent experience
• 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
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Professor Peter Slater, email: p.r.slater@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.