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University of Birmingham
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Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Energy Materials and LiFePO4 Cathode Synthesis for the PASTY Project University of Birmingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fixed-term full-time employment up to September 2027 at Grade 7, with a maximum salary of £46,970 due to limited funding.
Deadline
Nov 19, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Birmingham
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About this position
The University of Birmingham’s School of Metallurgy and Materials is seeking a postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on Project PASTY: Preparing Affordable LFP to meet Sustainability Targets for Years. Funded by the Faraday Institution and conducted in collaboration with Cornish Lithium, the project aims to develop a cost-effective route for producing commercial lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cathode active material from lithium sourced from geothermal waters.
The researcher will contribute to the synthesis and processing of LiFePO4 materials and evaluate their composition, structure and electrochemical performance. The work will involve developing synthesis strategies for inorganic oxide cathode materials, applying solid-state and potentially hydrothermal approaches, and using techniques including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ICP-OES and electrochemical testing.
The role also includes collecting process input and output data to support life-cycle and technoeconomic assessments of the production route. The Research Fellow will analyse and interpret experimental findings, prepare research updates, disseminate results through publications, seminars, talks and posters, and help address challenges affecting project delivery.
The postholder will join the Energy Materials Group within the School of Metallurgy and Materials and work in a multidisciplinary environment with battery researchers at Birmingham and partner organisations. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with wider sustainability and critical-materials initiatives, including the Faraday Institution’s ReLiB recycling programme. The researcher may also contribute to future funding bids, enterprise and public-engagement activities, and provide guidance to students and PhD researchers.
Funding details
Fixed-term full-time employment up to September 2027 at Grade 7, with a maximum salary of £46,970 due to limited funding.
What's required
Applicants must have a first degree in Chemistry or Materials Science and a PhD or post-viva PhD in a relevant area such as material characterisation and synthesis or solid-state chemistry. Applicants should have experimental expertise in solid-state synthesis and processing of inorganic oxide materials. Experience in hydrothermal synthesis is desirable, while knowledge and experience in elemental quantification using ICP-OES, cathode synthesis and solution processing are highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical capability, the ability to communicate complex information clearly, work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, plan and organise research, assess resource requirements, contribute to management and administration, and understand the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Birmingham careers portal using the Apply Now option on the vacancy page. Review the role details and submit the requested application materials before the closing date.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.