Job Description

The Faraday Institution has funded a new research consortium project entitled "Accelerated Development of Next Generation Li-Rich 3D Cathode Materials (3D-CAT)".

This collaborative project between Oxford Materials (Professors Robert House (PI), Saiful Islam, Peter Bruce), and UCL Chemical Engineering (Dr Rhod Jervis) brings together expertise in battery materials synthesis and device fabrication, advanced characterisation and materials modelling. The ambition for this project is to carry out multidisciplinary research that will explore Li-rich three-dimensional cathodes free from Co and Ni and with energy densities exceeding LMFP and competitive with NMC.

A postdoctoral research position is available on this 3D-CAT project in the area of computer modelling and materials design of lithium battery cathodes within the group of Professor Saiful Islam in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. The research programme at Oxford will investigate structural, redox, transport, and interface properties of Li-rich three-dimensional materials for lithium battery cathodes using density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics, cluster expansion, machine learning computational techniques. This work will have strong links to the experimental synthesis, diffraction and electrochemical work performed in the overall project.

Previous experience in computer modelling of lithium battery cathodes and a recent track record of peer-reviewed publications are essential. The position is available from

1st October 2025

or shortly thereafter and ends on 30 September 2028.

Group website with research details:
Prof Saiful Islam: https://www.materials.ox.ac.uk/peoplepages/islam.html

All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment system, no later than 12 noon on

22 August 2025

. You will be required to upload

a CV and a one-page Supporting Statement

as part of your application.

This statement should include three short sections:

(a) list of simulation codes used

(b) your top three publications

(c) previous experience in battery or energy materials modelling.

Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at the Department of Materials on

3rd

September 2025

and you must be available on this date, either in person or online (Teams, Zoom). Please note in normal circumstances only interview travel expenses within the UK will be reimbursed.