Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,671.

Contract Type: 2 Positions available

• 1x Fixed Term Contract up to August 2028
• 1x Fixed Term Contract up to March 2029

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

We are looking for up to two Postdoctoral Researchers to develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to advance electrochemical flow technologies, which are emerging as promising more-sustainable solutions for the global challenges of energy storage, materials availability and clean water supply. This project will develop novel in operando electrochemical flow cells and magnetic resonance imaging protocols to characterise the interplay between electrochemistry and flow in a range of systems, including multivalent metal ion batteries, redox flow batteries, electrodialysis and capacitive deionisation. This project is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, bringing together world-leading researchers from across the magnetic resonance, electrochemistry and energy communities. Working with our project partners, we will generate greater understanding of the fundamental molecular processes underpinning these more-sustainable electrochemical applications, leading to an acceleration of their development and ultimate commercialisation. 

We are seeking candidates with expertise in magnetic resonance imaging, but will also consider researchers with experience in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of materials. Candidates with experience using in operando magnetic resonance experiments, to study flow or electrochemical energy storage, are particularly welcome to apply. Knowledge of pulse programming and/or hardware design is desirable. Interest in developing and/or applying novel NMR/MRI methodology is essential. 

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to management of project and research facility 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse, interpret and disseminate research findings and results 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• To develop and apply nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodology with application to electrochemical and flow systems
• To design and operate electrochemical flow cells and associated materials
• Operate and maintain nuclear magnetic resonance, electrochemical and flow instrumentation
• To work with project supervisor, group members and project partners, attend regular project meetings and give research presentations

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering or cognate discipline
• PhD in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
• Experience with experimental NMR techniques and methods for imaging and spectroscopy and an ability to contribute to developing new methods
• Experience in pulse programme design desirable
• Experience using electrochemical and/or flow instrumentation desirable
• High level analytical capability

Informal enquiries to Melanie Britton, email: m.m.britton@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.

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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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