Research Fellow (Sustainable Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics) - School of Metallurgy and Materials - 108128 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom · £36,636–£46,049 (stated in the posting)

Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials

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 August 2029

Closing date: 17th November 2026

Background

The post is a fixed term Research Fellow position funded by the research grant “SuMaCer: Sustainable Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics for Europe’s Net-Zero Industry Energy Devices” that is provided by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe funding.

SuMaCer’s vision is to develop and optimise the entire value chain of functional ceramics, such as solid oxide fuel cells and metal-supported sodium batteries for energy storage solutions, with a holistic approach to sustainability with the incorporation of eco-design principles and circular economy strategies – covering the full loop from manufacturing to recycling.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham will be focused on delivering the sustainability assessment including the determination of recycling pathways of these functional ceramics.

To help us achieve our ambitious goal we are looking to recruit a post-doctoral staff member within the Metallurgy and Materials department.

The postholder will play a leading role in these recycling activities and be responsible for assessing the elemental quantities of the materials as part of initial characterisation studies, to the safe disassembly and recovery of materials. The successful candidate will apply a range of recycling tools to separate the feedstocks and to restore functionality of the materials. The candidate will play an active role in data collection inputs/outputs to support the life cycle assessments to evaluate the recycling pathway of these functional materials.

The postholder will be part of a vibrant and dynamic recycling team, as part of the Energy Materials Group (EMG) within the School of Metallurgy and Materials.

Sustainability is a critical and interdisciplinary research theme at the University, and as such, the postholder will have amble opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

As part of this role the postholder will work within the EMG and contribute to writing future bids; operating within area of specialism. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results; contribute to generating funding; and contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and public understanding of the discipline.

Role Summary

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to writing bids for research funding
Analyse and interpret data
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with other battery recycling project researchers within the University of Birmingham and at other partners
Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, and presentations
Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some, but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

The development and application of recycling strategies for the recovery of materials in semi solid-state batteries, ensuring a high regard for safety is maintained.
The recording of inputs and outputs to apply and assess the developed recycling processes through Life Cycle Assessments.
The characterisation of cells and their (elemental) components, including establishing and operating new analytical capability (CT, ICP-OES, SEM, XRD, and XRF) for compositional and microstructural measurement.
Analyse and interpret research data to assess the effectiveness of each recycling route.
Preparing quarterly reports/presentations to update the consortium on progress made in the research, in addition to fortnightly reports at a local level.
Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, talks and posters.
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with other battery (recycling) researchers within UoB and our other (industry) partners.
Supervise PhD/Masters students on research related work and provide guidance to students where appropriate to the discipline.
Undertake management/administration tasks arising from research.
Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
Contribute to enterprise, business development and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
Address and resolve challenges that may impact the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

A first degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related subject, and a PhD (or close to completion) in an area relevant to materials recycling or battery manufacture, mineral engineering or chemical engineering
Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in recycling, material separation, and elemental quantification is highly desirable. However, training will be given to the right candidate in these areas.
Demonstrably high-level analytical capability.
Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information clearly.
Demonstrable ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
Proven ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
Understanding of, and ability to contribute to broader management /administration processes.
A proven ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
A demonstrable ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research, and a clear willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
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.

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