Research Assistant / Research Associate in Battery Characterisation

About the role

The post is funded by the UKRI EPSRC funding to use characterisation techniques to investigate properties of rechargeable batteries. The focus of this research project is to use in situ, operando, and other characterisation techniques such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), SEM, etc. to study battery properties. Rechargeable batteries are of significant interest to a wide range of industries such as electric transportation, & investigating their properties & degradation is important.

At Research Associate level: To carry out research programmes in using characterisation techniques to investigate properties of rechargeable batteries, undertake project management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams. The Research Associate will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

What you would be doing

Main Duties:

• Using characterisation techniques such as ToF-SIMS, SEM, etc. to investigate rechargeable batteries.
• Analysis of data.
• Ensure the validity & reliability of data at all times.
• Maintain accurate & complete records of all findings.
• Assist with the writing of reports to research sponsors.
• Present findings to colleagues.
• Provide advice to other staff & students.
• Assist with the publication of findings.
• Attend relevant workshops & conferences as necessary.
• Develop contacts within the College & the wider community.

What we are looking for

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or relevant science and engineering discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

• Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Research experience (e.g. characterisation, assembly, testing, etc.) in rechargeable batteries
• Hands-on experience of using characterisation techniques such as ToF-SIMS, SEM, etc. to characterise battery properties
• Hands-on experience of using characterisation techniques such as XRD, TEM, etc. to characterise battery materials properties
• Hands-on experience of using electrochemical testing methods such as galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to characterise battery properties

What we can offer you

• We will provide you with an excellent research environment to grow as a research leader.
• We will support you in future funding proposals & applications and fully include you in any collaborations/networks.
• Opportunities for professional development, e.g. through the award-winning Early Career Researcher Institute.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 to £47,223 per annum.

Additional information please contact: Dr Ann Huang, a.huang@imperial.ac.uk

Guidance may be sought from Darakshan Khan (d.khan@imperial.ac.uk). 

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. 

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. 

• download: Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf
• download: Research Assistant or Associate Job Description ENG03743.pdf