Research Associate (Coatings and Cellmaking)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205. Grade: 6

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2025 

Closes: 28^th April 2024

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.

The Birmingham Centre for Strategic Elements and Critical Materials, and the Energy Materials Group (EMG) won several projects with to develop novel separation technologies addressing the commercial and technical challenges around processing end-of-life Li-ion Batteries (LIBs) and Sodium ion Batteries (NIB). After separation, the goal of these projects is to remanufacture these materials into new cells, and characterise their electrochemical performance. 

The postholder will contribute to the mixing, coating, and remanufacturing of coin cells, Swagelok cells, and single layered pouch cells from recycled materials. They will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team with the researchers at the University of Birmingham (UoB) and with the other industrial and academic partners.

As part of this role the postholder will work within EMG, operating within their area of specialism. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results; contribute to generating funding; and public understanding of the discipline.

Role Summary

• Work within battery recycling projects
• Operate within area of specialism: electrode coatings and cellmaking
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Mixing slurries from recycled battery materials and characterising their rheology
• Coating slurries to produce electrodes
• Manufacturing coin cells, Swagelok cells, and pouch cells from electrodes
• Characterising the performance of the cells through electrochemical characterisation
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• 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

• PhD (or one near to completion) in energy Materials 
• Practical experience in battery manufacturing 
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively in spreadsheets, presentations, reports, and manuscripts
• 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 enquiries to 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 above ‘Apply’ button.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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