Research Assistant/Associate in Li-Ion Battery Formation (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

A position exists, for a [Research Assistant/Associate] in the Department of Engineering, to work on the formation process of Li-ion batteries.

The post holder will be located in [West Cambridge] Cambridgeshire, UK.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the Department of Engineering, to elucidate degradation mechanisms is Ni-rich cathodes for Li-Ion batteries. The post holder will be located at the University of Cambridge in the group of Prof. Michael De Volder  in Engineering (www.nanomanufacturing.eng.cam.ac.uk/) and collaborate closely with the group of Prof. Clare Grey in Chemistry, Cambridge (https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/group/grey) and Prof Emma Kendrick in Materials, Birmingham https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/metallurgy/kendrick-emma.

This role will focus on the study and optimisation of the formation process of Li-ion batteries, focussing on Ni-rich layered transition metal oxide cathodes (LiNi0.9Mn0.05Co0.05O2) materials as part of a large collaborative Faraday Institution Grant (https://www.faraday.ac.uk/research/lithium-ion/fast/).

Key responsibilities of the candidate include the development of advanced electrochemical protocols to study formation mechanisms, and the design and interpretation of operando and post-mortem analysis tools to elucidate complex battery formation mechanisms. A key responsibility is to collaborate closely with a large team of researchers across the UK that are part of the Faraday Institution Formation project.

We will consider candidates with various research backgrounds including chemical engineering, chemistry and material science. Applicants are required to have a PhD or be close to obtaining a PhD and have relevant experience in electrochemistry, Li-Ion battery fabrication and testing. Expertise in battery formation is an advantage.

The Faraday Institution has been established to provide incisive direction for the development of battery research in the UK with significant value placed on the inclusion of research groups with varied expertise in order to tackle the challenges provided by the advancement of battery technologies. We aim to provide a fast paced, dynamic and collaborative approach to research with a significant focus on providing training to produce the next generation of leaders within the field of battery research. The Faraday and the University of Cambridge have a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion with the recently formed EDI working group aiming to provide an environment where everyone feels valued, can contribute fully and thrive.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary ranges:

Research Assistant: GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608

Research Associate: GBP 37,694 - GBP 46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

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

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter and you 3 best research publications in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this, please contact: Holly Shaw, has50@cam.ac.uk

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

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