Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Real-time Process Control for Li-ion Battery Electrode Fabrication

Location: Department of Engineering Science, Central Oxford 

About the role

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant or Research Assistant with relevant experience to join the Control group at the Department of Engineering Science in central Oxford.  The post is funded by The Faraday Institution and is fixed term to 30 September 2026.

This project addresses the need for process control on electrode fabrication lines for lithium-ion batteries (LiB’s). You will be responsible for: 

• Developing models and simulations of the electrode fabrication process, sensors, and actuators.
• Developing a demonstrator of a soft sensing system that predicts battery performance and properties from fabrication line measurements.

About you

• Hold (or be near completion of) a PhD/DPhil in Control Engineering or a related subject, with the possibility to underfill Grade 6  (£34,982 - £40,855 p.a.) if the candidate holds a relevant degree/Masters and is working on a PhD/DPhil.
• Be able to actively engage with industrial partners.
• Be able to manage your own academic research and associated activities.
• Have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

What we offer

At the university of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include: 

• Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education.  
• Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road
• Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
• University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.
• Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways; by purchasing a TOTUM card, by showing an employee pass in selected local stores, or online by using any of the listed discount codes
• Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries. 

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system (by clicking on the 'Apply' button above) and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references. 

The position is a full-time fixed term post to 30 September 2026.  

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 03 September 2025. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Idris Kempf: idris.kempf@eng.ox.ac.uk   

For more information about working at the Department, see

www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

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