Research Fellow - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

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Birmingham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Position Details
School of Metallurgy and Materials, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,348 to £43,155 with potential progression once in post to £45,737

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2024

Closing date: 27th August 2023

Background

The School of Metallurgy and Materials and the University of Birmingham are part of a successful European H2020 collaborative project on Sodium-Ion and sodium Metal Batteries for efficient and sustainable next-generation energy storage (SIMBA).

The work at University of Birmingham will encompass waste management innovations for environmental and cost benefits.

We will be investigating the sustainability of the cell systems developed within SIMBA, investigating the life-time performance aspects, design of composite components for longevity, and the disassembly and recyclability of these batteries from manufacturing scrap and at end of life.

This work will encompass battery manufacturing, electrode, and cells, testing and characterisation at different state of charge and states of health.

We will also be investigating the reclamation of the materials from scrap and at end-of-life cells, for recycling and re-use within a battery.

The post holder would be expected to assist in the research (by carrying out data collection or analysing) to create knowledge through providing research support for the project.

The post holder will join the Energy Materials Research group of the School of Metallurgy and Materials led by Professor Emma Kendrick.

Please see the following link for more information on the research team.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and/or projects
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to publications

Main Duties

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
Support electrochemical testing and evaluation of liquid sodiumion cells
Support the formation and conditioning processes for liquid sodiumion cells with SIMBA materials
Conduct optical and electron microscopy analysis of the SIB components at different state of health and state of charge
Support the development of methods for assembly and disassembly of battery components
Characterise and test reclaimed sodiumion battery materials
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with the other project researchers and within the Energy Materials Group at the University of Birmingham
Analyse research data as directed
Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
Develop or adapt techniques, models, and methods
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

Hold a bachelor's degree in science or engineering discipline relevant to the project or equivalent qualifications
Hold a PhD (or near to completion) or an equivalent qualification in an area relevant to materials recycling, battery manufacture, mineral, mechanical, electronic or chemical engineering.
Prior knowledge, experience, and achievements in the electrochemical and physical analysis of battery materials and cells, particularly in sodium ion batteries is highly desirable.
Experience of cell manufacturing, and manufacturing protocols such as formation and conditioning are highly desirable.
Experience in cell disassembly and battery recycling is preferred
Experience in working in a research laboratory
High level analytical capability
Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
Ability to access and organise resources successfully Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in daytoday activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

**Valuing excellence, sustaining investment