Assistant Professor (Research Focussed) or Research Fellow

About the Role

Please indicate which role you are applying in your application, either Research Fellow or Assistant Professor.

The Energy Innovation Centre at WMG is at the forefront of developing next generation battery technologies to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. We are seeking an ambitious and talented person to lead cutting edge research in battery formation with sensors for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across the full innovation pathway, from materials development and electrochemical characterisation through to prototype cell manufacture and technology scale-up. You will play a key role in the research, development and industrialisation of battery technologies, supporting programmes that align with WMG's strategic research themes including Electrochemical Science, Energy Storage, Manufacturing the Future and Resource Efficiency.

Working closely with academic colleagues, industrial partners and internal teams, you will design and deliver experimental research programmes, develop novel battery materials and manufacturing processes, and contribute to the advancement of technology readiness levels. The role offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific excellence with real-world industrial impact, enabling the translation of fundamental research into commercially relevant battery solutions.

You will also contribute to the wider academic mission of the University through publishing high quality research, presenting at leading international conferences, supporting postgraduate researchers, and helping to build WMG's reputation as a global leader in battery innovation.

This position offers the chance to work within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, engaging with leading researchers, engineers and industrial stakeholders across the UK and internationally, while helping to shape the future of advanced energy storage technologies.

For details on the experience and skills required for either role, please refer to the following job description (link here)

About You

You will be a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in lithium-ion battery science and technology, combined with a passion for delivering impactful research that bridges academia and industry.

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Energy Storage or a related field, together with a good honours degree. You will have demonstrable experience in lithium-ion battery research ideally including electrode materials development, cell manufacturing, electrochemical testing and advanced materials characterisation.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of lithium-ion battery technologies, specifically battery cell formation, production process and sensor deployment. Experience in battery materials, processing, slurry formulation, electrode manufacture, prototyping, formation, post mortem analysis would be particularly advantageous.

You will have a developing track record of high-quality research outputs, evidenced through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences. Strong analytical, experimental and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to plan and deliver research independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about translating fundamental scientific discoveries into practical industrial solutions. You will be comfortable working collaboratively with academic and industrial partners, communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, and contributing to the development of future research opportunities and external partnerships.

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£35,302 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£36,320 per annum).

About the Department

WMG is one of the world's leading centres for applied research, innovation and education, working at the interface between academia and industry to address global challenges and accelerate technological advancement. With an international reputation for delivering impactful research and innovation, WMG collaborates with leading industrial partners, governments and academic institutions worldwide to develop solutions that drive economic growth and societal benefit.

The Energy Innovation Centre and research teams are at the forefront of advancing battery technologies, supporting the development of sustainable energy storage systems across the entire battery value chain. Our research spans materials discovery, cell design, manufacturing, recycling and circular economy approaches, enabling the translation of breakthrough scientific discoveries into commercially relevant technologies.

As part of WMG, you will join a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment that brings together experts in electrochemistry, materials science, manufacturing, data science and systems engineering. You will have access to world-class research facilities and industrial-scale equipment, while working on projects with leading industrial and academic partners in the UK and internationally.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your research career within a globally recognised institution. You will gain experience of industrially relevant R&D, technology scale-up and commercialisation, while contributing to scientific innovation that supports the future of electrification and sustainable energy systems. The position provides excellent preparation for future leadership roles in both academia and industry, with opportunities to build international collaborations, develop new research directions and enhance your professional profile through high-impact research and industrial engagement.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.

Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.   

The interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.