Postdoctoral Research Associate - Development of electrolytes for energy storage (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 months in the first instance.

We are currently seeking a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to join the group of Professor Oren Scherman in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry on a multidisciplinary project funded by an ERC Proof of Concept grant (AEROBEST). We are seeking a motivated and talented PDRA to join our dynamic team to further develop groundbreaking research on pyridinium-based electrolytes for long duration energy storage and associated technologies (see Nature, 2023, 623, 949-955, Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 8791-8796, Nat. Nanotechnol., 2021, 16, 1121-1129, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020, 59, 15963-15967, Chem, 2020, 6, 1819-1830). This role focuses on advancing our understanding of redox processes and mechanisms that affect air tolerance in flow-battery systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in designing, characterising, and optimising electrolyte systems to improve energy storage performance and longevity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the next generation of energy storage technologies that have significant potential for real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research on pyridinium electrolytes for energy storage systems.
• Explore supramolecular assemblies of a synthetic library of pyridinium electrolyte molecules and their structure-property relationships in the context of applications in energy storage.
• Investigate the role of pi-dimerization and intra- and intermolecular electron pairing in suppressing capacity fade due to radical reactivity and air exposure.
• Employ a range of techniques to study redox behaviour of electrolytes.
• Devise experiments on charge-discharge processes and mechanisms of capacity fade under battery operating conditions.
• Analyse experimental data, prepare reports, and publish findings in high-impact journals.

Key Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must have a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong focus on energy storage technologies.
• Strong background in synthetic chemistry, both synthesis and characterisation and associated characterisation techniques (NMR, UV/Vis, vibrational spectroscopy etc).
• Expertise in electrochemistry, ideally within redox flow battery systems.
• Experience with a range of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, EPR) and electrochemical characterisation methods.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong publication record related to electronic materials, supramolecular systems, and electron transfer processes.
• Effective time management and organisation skills, ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, work under pressure, and manage communication across multi-centre partners.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a leading research group at the forefront of energy storage innovations.
• Opportunity to influence and drive real-world solutions for sustainable energy storage.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and collaborative research environments.
• Career development opportunities through mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Inquiries about this post should be addressed to either Professor Oren Scherman (e-mail: oas23@cam.ac.uk) or Dr Jade McCune (e-mail: jam211@cam.ac.uk).

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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