PhD Studentship: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Development of Sustainable Electrochemical Flow Technologies

A competition-funded PhD studentship is available in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham to develop and apply nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging to advance electrochemical flow technologies, such as redox flow batteries, multivalent metal ion batteries and/or capacitive deionisation. Such technologies are emerging as promising more-sustainable solutions for the global challenges of energy storage, materials availability and clean water supply. This project complements current research activities within the group across a number of interdisciplinary and collaborative projects, funded by the EPSRC and Faraday Institution, which have brought together world-leading researchers from across the magnetic resonance, electrochemistry and energy storage communities. In this project, the successful candidate will advance understanding of the fundamental molecular processes underpinning these electrochemical applications, leading to an acceleration of their development and ultimate commercialisation. The project can be tailored to focus on one or several of these electrochemical flow technologies, depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests. We are seeking candidates with an interest in nuclear magnetic resonance and materials characterisation. Candidates suitable for the project should expect to have (or already hold) at least a 2:1 BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or similar. The candidate will be provided with training to undertake this interdisciplinary research.

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Chemistry, located in the University of Birmingham’s newly-built, £80million+ state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building and purpose-built Magnetic Resonance laboratory. The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant, thriving and collegiate academic community, seeking to attract outstanding, inspirational and talented people, supporting them to succeed and celebrating their success. Our research has a strong focus on four Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and includes a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest. We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every researcher in realising their personal and professional potential. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in higher education. The University of Birmingham is a member institution of the Race Equality Charter, a Disability Confident Employer and contributes to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We support flexible working and studying.

Funding notes:
Applications should be sent Prof. Melanie Britton (m.m.britton@bham.ac.uk), comprising a cover letter summarising a candidate's interest in this area and suitability for the project, their curriculum vitae and contact details for two nominated referees.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but should be received by 5 January 2026 for consideration for a Birmingham Chemistry Scholarship.

References:

Bray et al, “Operando visualisation of battery chemistry in a sodium-ion battery by Na-23 magnetic resonance imaging” Nat. Commun. 11 (2020) 2083

Yang et al, Q. Song “Solution-processable polymer membranes with hydrophilic subnanometre pores for sustainable lithium extraction” Nature Water 3 (2025) 319–333.

Wang et al, “Selective ion transport through hydrated micropores in polymer membranes” Nature 635 (2024) 353-358.

Britton et al, “In Situ, Real-Time Visualization of Electrochemistry Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging”, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 4 (2013) 3019-3023

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