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University of Birmingham
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Birmingham, West Midlands
Research Fellow in Materials Chemistry - School of Chemistry - 96041 - Grade 7
Overview
Job Description
Research Fellow in Materials Chemistry - 96041 Position Details: Area: School of Chemistry in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range 30,942 to 40,322 with potential progression once in post to 42,792 (Grade 7) Hours: Full-time Duration: Fixed-term for up to 2 years Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK Closing Date: 27 June 2020 Background The Faraday Institution has funded a new research consortium on 'Next generation lithium-ion cathode materials (CATMAT)' to explore and develop new materials for batteries that can be used for electric vehicles. The multidisciplinary team includes the University of Birmingham, University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University of Liverpool, University of Oxford, University College London and Diamond Light Source. The CATMAT project will aim to transform fundamental understanding of novel cathodes that currently prevent the use of nickel-rich cathode materials (with low or no cobalt) and lithium-rich cathodes. It will identify the most promising new cathode materials, scaling up their synthesis and assimilating them into fully battery cells to demonstrate performance. A Research Fellow position is available in the area of advanced characterisation of cathode materials in the groups of Dr Phoebe Allan and Professor Peter Slater in the School of Chemistry and Professor Emma Kendrick in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham. The research programme will develop advanced multi-modal characterisation methods based on X-ray and neutron techniques and apply to novel lithium-ion cathode materials in order to elucidate structure-property relationships. The research will have strong links to the synthesis, scale-up and computer modelling aspects of the CATMAT consortium as well as providing opportunity to interact and collaborate with industrial partners. Summary of Role To perform research within the Faraday Institution-funded project 'Next generation lithium-ion cathode materials (CATMAT)' Operate within the Schools of Chemistry and Metallurgy and Materials, linking with other researchers involved in this consortium project Analyse, interpret and publish research findings and results Participate in and present at meeting at conferences, particularly consortium meetings and Faraday Institution research conferences Liaise with other partner universities and industries to identify, assess and optimise potential new cathode materials. Help to supervise PhD students working on the project Main Duties/Responsibilities To undertake research into lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Contribute to writing beamtime proposals for synchrotron X-ray/neutron beamtime and other appropriate techniques Liaise with beamline staff and researchers from other institution to ensure the success of beamtime experiments. To design and develop and optimise experimental apparatus where required. To analyse and interpret X-ray/neutron diffraction, scattering and spectroscopy data. To contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods To undertake management/administration arising from the research project to ensure that progress is made to achieving project milestones. Disseminate research findings for publication, conference research seminars, etc. Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research Contribute to appropriate enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University Person Specification First degree in Chemistry or Materials and a PhD (or close to completion) in Solid State/Materials Chemistry or a closely related field are essential. Experience in Solid State Chemistry Synthesis techniques and characterisation, including X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, and Rietveld refinement is essential Experience in total scattering and pair distribution function analysis is essential Experience in performing and developing in situ experiments at synchrotron/neutron sources is essential. Experience in spectroscopic methods (e.g. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy) is desirable. Experience in working on energy materials is desirable Ability to communicate complex information clearly Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project is ...