Our Mission

Coventry University is a global Education Group that empowers students and communities to transform their lives and society through teaching, learning, research, and enterprise.

An ambitious and innovative university, our research is designed to have real-world impact on society and tackle global challenges through our 16 challenge-led, interdisciplinary research centres. We enable high performing research teams and future research leaders to thrive and make an impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. 

Coventry University’s Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth is seeking a highly-motivated Research Fellow to work as part of a team delivering an exciting, collaborative project as part of a Faraday Institution funded Industry Sprint on the development of next generation sodium ion batteries.

The Role

We seek an experienced postdoctoral researcher to support a project involving an Internationally leading partner, to move a new material from laboratory to real world demonstration in prototype sodium ion battery cells.

This exciting project aims to develop and optimize sodium ion battery materials from a UK based supply chain and demonstrate their capabilities in pouch cell format to be used in a demonstrator 48V module. The role will entail extensive laboratory based electrochemical investigation and characterisation, along with use of the full suite of the Centre for eMobility and Clean Growth’s extensive prototyping lines and capabilities, presenting a unique opportunity to understand and influence the scale-up and development of this battery technology, from lab to application.

Under the line management supervision and guidance of Prof Alexander Roberts, you will contribute to research activity and prepare reports and deliverables within the project.

Contribution will be required on (amongst other things):

- development and scaling of anode and cathode formulations using benchmark and partner materials

- Coating parameterisation and electrode production using reel-to-reel technology

- cell design and characterisation including application of electrochemical techniques such as potentiostatic and galvanostatic methods, EIS etc.

- development, prototyping and production of cells in coin, single and multilayer pouch formats

- research publication and supporting project meetings and dissemination activities.

In addition, you will gain valuable exposure to the Centre’s research, including the preparation of project proposals with support from your line manager. In return, we will provide you with a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, a generous holiday allowance, savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities.

As Research Fellow within the Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth you will undertake and play a lead role in the delivery of impactful research. Developing and identifying new research objectives, proposals, and impact activities for your own or joint research, while contributing to REF impact rated nationally/internationally excellent.

You will apply innovative research methods and extend the research portfolio including the publication of your research results and outcomes. Building internal and external networks for the  exchange of information and future collaboration, sharing information, and identifying potential sources of funds will play a key part of this role. Contributing to teaching, learning and development programmes as appropriate, you will use research findings to inform curriculum development while assisting in the development of student research skills.

Qualifications Required

You should have or be near obtaining a PhD related to battery or supercapacitor technologies, mixing and coating technologies, chemistry (or electrochemistry), materials science (energy storage related) or physics and be able to demonstrate relevant expertise in chemistry lab skills and electrochemical testing, with prior experience in prototyping and/or cell assembly and development and would be of particular interest. If successful, you will join a fast-growing research centre with high levels of industrial engagement. This is an exciting opportunity for you to significantly expand your technical research skills within the and fast-growing area of battery science and technology, an underlying area of focus in the UK’s recent Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Strategy.

Our Successful Candidate

A highly motivated Research Fellow with demonstrable expert knowledge and understanding of materials science and battery technologies, including experience contributing to innovation and development of the field.  With an advanced knowledge of research methods and techniques with demonstratable adherence to all regulations, you will have the ability to develop research objectives, projects, and proposals for your own and joint research.

Demonstrable track record in the delivery of collaborative research projects and generation of high-quality publications in high-profile, peer-reviewed journals along with presentations at national/international events. You will be committed to working collaboratively on research development, delivery and dissemination including interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary research, public engagement, and knowledge exchange. Prior experience or demonstrable expertise from ink and electrode development, electrochemistry, materials development or characterisation, electrochemical techniques and batteries assembly and test would be advantageous.

The Benefits

As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• Cycle To Work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.

Full Job Description & Person Specification

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