Research Fellow (Nextrode) – School of Metallurgy and Materials – 102328 – Grade 7 Full Time

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 £36,636 to £46,049, with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade 7

Full Time / Fixed Term Contract up to September 2026

Closing date: 3 May 2026

Background

People are at the heart of what we are and do. We want to attract outstanding, inspirational, and talented people, support them to succeed. Working at the University of Birmingham gives you access to the best financial and physical resources, a beautiful campus and an intellectually stimulating and diverse community.

The Energy Materials Group (EMG) at the University of Birmingham is seeking a motivated researcher to join the Faraday Institution Nextrode project, which addresses a range of crucial scientific and industrial challenges in battery electrode manufacturing. In this role, you will contribute to world ‑ leading research by designing and implementing sustainable manufacturing processes using cutting ‑ edge technologies.

This role will be a part of the Faraday Institution NEXTRODE project, which aims to research new methods for manufacturing smarter electrodes and to put them onto the path to commercialisation https://www.faraday.ac.uk/research/lithium-ion/electrode-manufacturing/

It will include management of the work package, ‘smarter slurry cast electrodes. The aim of this work package is to develop novel metrology techniques and measurements during electrode manufacture to create additional design space and performance gain. This role will build on existing work in the project to further develop characterisation techniques for materials, slurry, coating and cell, with a particular focus on the slurry rheology and the electrode coating process, using understanding of their relationship to design formulations and processes.

Role Summary

• Initiate and conduct original research into slurry rheology and battery manufacturing flows which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities for the Faraday Institution NEXTRODE project
• Contribute to writing bids, generating funding and development research strategies.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Publish results of own research
• Supervise PhD students
• Contribute to the School of Metallurgy and Materials through management/leadership
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools’ outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University

Main Duties

• Plan and carry out high-quality research using appropriate methodologies; pursue personal research ideas and secure funding support.
• Manage research activities including the NEXTRODE project; supervise research staff and contribute to collaborative outputs.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Publish findings in high-quality journals and conferences, present research to academic and professional audiences.
• Develop and apply novel techniques, particularly for in-line study of electrode manufacturing processes.
• Supervise and examine PhD students internally and externally, including those within the NEXTRODE programme.
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques for in-line study of electrode manufacturing
• Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University, including NEXTRODE PhDs
• Provide subject-specific advice to colleagues and students; support academic development within the discipline.
• Contribute to research administration and project management activities across the School and University
• Lead and support knowledge transfer, business engagement, and public outreach aligned with university goals.
• Contribute to administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research, as required for project management
• Apply research insights to advance intellectual understanding within the field.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to the area of specialism, or equivalent qualifications.
• Hold, or be close to the completion of, a higher degree (PhD) relevant to the research area.
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Experience of applying and developing successful experimental techniques and contributing to new methodological approaches.
• Proven ability to assess resource requirements and to manage resources effectively to deliver research outcomes.
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, broader research management and administrative processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research projects.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Emma Kendrick, email: E.Kendrick@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .