Research Fellow

About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Melanie Loveridge (m.loveridge@warwick.ac.uk) at m.loveridge@warwick.ac.uk.

The Warwick Centre for Experimental Fuel Technology (CEFT) is aiming to develop innovative next generation battery and fuel cell technologies.

A key feature of the Centre’s work is that novel & applied technology innovations will be underpinned by fundamental understanding, using a range of innovative techniques and characterisation facilities already available at Warwick or by developing new methods.

The Centre is an exciting venture bringing together leading research groups in WMG, the Department of Chemistry and the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick.

This role will focus on leading our efforts in developing fast-charge batteries, advanced electrodes and electrolytes (including scalable approaches) with comprehensive electrochemical testing in multiple small formats. This includes incorporation of reference electrodes. Characterisation will feature strongly in terms of structure / chemistry evaluation and interfaces to underpin the electrochemistry developments. 

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant area of Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science (or at least be close to submitting your thesis).

You will have extensive experience of electrochemical testing of materials and cell fabrication experience. This ideally includes previous work on electrode development and testing of Li-ion energy storage devices, including any cell forensic experience. You will have knowledge, or an interest in, using such materials for in energy-related applications such as batteries and ionic conducting membranes.

 You will be experienced in the analysis of physical and chemical characterisation data to analyse structure and chemical properties of materials (XRD, NMR, various microscopies).

You will have experience of other materials characterisation methods, such as spectroscopic methods X-ray, vibrational spectroscopy, for example) to characterise local atomic environment of materials. Any synchrotron-based experience would be advantageous, where you might have supported or helped to lead experiments. 

You will be collegiate and able to demonstrate that you have worked effectively and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

PhD Status

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 (£34,610 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 (£35,608 per annum).

About the Department

WMG is an academic department at the University of Warwick and is the leading international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors, driving innovation in science, technology and engineering, to develop the brightest ideas and talent that will shape our future.

We incorporate fundamental research into our more known applied research innovations pushing real-world boundaries in energy storage and characterisation approaches. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues, whilst endeavouring to focus on sustainability.

We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. Both WMG and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN silver awards, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We also have a dedicated EDI Committee and Associate Dean for Research Culture and EDI.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by 11.59pm on the closing date.

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 in October 2026.