Research Fellow (Sodium-Ion Battery Recycling)

Salary:

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974. Grade 7 

Contract Type:

Fixed Term contract up to June 2024 

The main goal of the SIMBA project is the development of a highly cost-effective sodium-ion battery (SIB) for stationary energy storage applications. Although in many ways SIBs are similar to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), there are still a number of persistent scientific and technical challenges to be addressed. SIMBA aims to solve these challenges and pave the way to market implementation. To achieve this goal, several aspects need to be considered including material innovations, sustainable electrode and cell manufacturing, improved characterisation and understanding of the electrochemical processes

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Support electrochemical testing and evaluation of liquid sodium-ion cells
• Support the formation and conditioning processes for liquid sodium-ion cells with SIMBA materials
• Conduct optical and electron microscopy analysis of the SIB components at different state of health and state of charge
• Support the development of methods for assembly and disassembly of battery components
• Characterise and test reclaimed sodium-ion battery materials 
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with the other project researchers and within the Energy Materials Group at the University of Birmingham
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models, and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering discipline relevant to the project or equivalent qualifications
• Hold a PhD (or one near to completion) or an equivalent qualification in an area relevant to materials recycling, battery manufacture, mineral, mechanical, electronic or chemical engineering.
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Prior knowledge, experience, and achievements in the electrochemical and physical analysis of battery materials and cells, particularly in sodium ion batteries is highly desirable.
• Experience of cell manufacturing, and manufacturing protocols such as formation and conditioning are highly desirable.
• Experience in cell disassembly and battery recycling is preferred
• Experience in working in a research laboratory
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• 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 enquires to Professor Emma Kendrick, e.kendrick@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above or visit our careers website.

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