Research Fellow

About the Role

For informal enquiries please contact Michael Hope (Assistant Professor) at michael.hope.1@warwick.ac.uk

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellow to join the group of Dr Michael Hope (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/staff/michaelhope) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick.

The aim of this EPSRC-funded project is to accelerate the development of novel materials for renewable energy generation and storage, by using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to determine atomic-scale structure and dynamics and how they dictate the performance. This position will focus on the development of battery and/or supercapacitor systems, including in situ/operando NMR. There is further scope to join projects on halide perovskite photovoltaics and metal–organic frameworks, depending on interest.

These experiments are enabled by the excellent facilities at the University of Warwick, including state-of-the-art Research Technology Platforms covering a wide range of techniques. The solid-state NMR centre houses 7 solid-state NMR spectrometers (100 – 700 MHz), as well as hosting world-leading 850 MHz, 1 GHz, and upcoming 1.2 GHz spectrometers in the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility.

This role is highly collaborative, working with world leaders across the university and internationally, as well as supporting the training of PhD students. The project combines exciting new materials and cutting-edge techniques to generate real-world impact.

This is a fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of extension.

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

About You

Candidates should have completed, or be near completing, a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related discipline. Candidates will have passion and experience in solid-state NMR spectroscopy, electrochemical energy storage, and materials characterisation.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description. Note that candidates are not expected to meet all desirable criteria.

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. 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.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at Warwick is a thriving and inclusive community of students, academics, researchers, and professional services staff.

Our fundamental research pushes boundaries across all major fields of chemistry, while our applied work - delivered through close partnership with the wider scientific community and industry - addresses major global challenges, breakthroughs in health, solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials. We are proudly outward-facing, and our community is recognised as one of the strongest in the UK. Our extensive national and international relationships create an outstanding environment for collaboration, innovation, and career development. From polymers and catalysts to computation, advanced instrumentation and cutting-edge materials, our research sits at the forefront of the discipline. We are highly interdisciplinary, having long-standing partnerships with the School of Life Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Physics, Manufacturing, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working and learning environment in which diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are recognised, respected, and valued. Our Athena Swan Silver Award reflects our ongoing efforts to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion into our culture, practices, teaching, and research, and our commitment to supporting the career progression of all staff.

Explore our webpages to learn more about the Department of Chemistry’s research and teaching, industry-leading facilities, and the impact of our work.

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.

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.   

Please also include a summary of your previous research and a publication list.

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