Research Fellow Job at University of Warwick, University of Warwick

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Job Description

Fixed Term Contract from April 1st 2023 to March 21st 2025, 36.5 hours per week.

Are you a researcher that wants to apply advanced microscopy to understand the fundamental limiations of battery performance in real cell formats? Do you have experience with focussed ion beam, Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy or 3D microscopy?

We are recruting a Research Fellow to lead our advanced microscopy studies of state-of-the-art pouch cells built and conditioned at WMG, as part of the Faraday Institution Degradation Phase II project. The project will involve studying state-of-art single crystal Ni-rich, LMFP and anodeless chemistries to understand and suppress degradation mechanisms in order to improve performance and lifetime. WMG is already well-equipped in terms of battery research, with its Battery Pilot line facility, electrochemitry lab, x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy facilties. This capability has recently been expanded by the purchase of new plasma-FIB system that has been specially configured for characterising battery materials. The new system will possess a unique combination of airless-transfer, cryo and TOF SIMS that will help provide an understanding of how the microstructure of the electrodes (and its evolution during cycling) dictate overall cell performance. In addition, the system is expected to play an important role in understanding the critical interfaces forming between the electrodes and electrolyte, especially in the case of anodeless and Li metal anodes.

This postion complements our other roles within this project and related activities, including pouch cell manufacturing, testing and advanced operando x-ray studies. The successful candidate is expected to lead our microscopy battery degradation studies and work closely with colleagues both within WMG and across the consortium. In addition, they will also collaborate with other researchers within the wider Electrochemical Materials group. As part of the development and application of these capabilities the candidate will be expected to work closely with specialist technicians to provide analysis support across the WMG battery team in microscopy based advanced characterization, along with working with supervisors on developing new research projects.

As part of the Faraday Institution community, you will receive excellent career development opportunities. In addition, WMG provide a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities.

At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.

Job Description

Job Purpose:

Lead the WMG research activities in post-mortem microscopy studies of battery degradation, utilizing the newly acquired P-FIB system at WMG.



Project Specific Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate the microscopy battery degradation studies, including analysis and dissemination, as determined by the Faraday Institution Degradation project.

  • Utilise the facilities within the microscopy suite at WMG, including the new P-FIB system with Cryo and TOF-SIMS, and work with the Microscopy facility to increase capabilities for battery research.

  • Work with specialist technicians to train and mentor team members in advanced microscopy of battery components



Principal Accountabilities:

Research and scholarship.

1. Plan and execute research on battery degradation aligned with the activities of the consortium project, in collaboration with our partners.

2. Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities.

3. Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media.

4. Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events.

5. Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.



Teaching and Learning Support:

1. Could be expected to contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the department.

2. May be expected to supervise postgraduate research students.



Administration and Other Activities:

1. Collaborate actively within and out side of the institution to complete research projects and advance thinking.

2. May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.

3. Participate in relevant professional activities.

4. Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work and, when appropriate, undertake risk assessments.

5. Participate in and develop external networks, for example to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain projects, or build relationships for future activities.


For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.



For further information about the WMG department, please visit the departmental website.

Right to work in the UK


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The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. To find out more about our social inclusion work at Warwick visit our webpages here.

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.

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