Job Description

Job Title:

Research Associate in Particle Engineering for Next Generation Batteries

Posting Start Date:

16/12/2025

Job Id:

2023

School/Department:

Chemical, Materials & Biological Eng

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

38,784 - 47,389

Closing Date:

12/01/2026
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.



We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

An exciting opportunity exists within the battery manufacturing research group at the University of Sheffield to work on the Faraday Institution funded research project Next Generation Electrodes (Nextrode). This project brings together lithium-ion electrode manufacturing expertise from Universities across the UK (Oxford, Birmingham, Warwick, Southampton and UCL).



As Research Associate in Particle Engineering for Next Generation Batteries, you will conduct research into new particle and powder engineering methodologies for lithium-ion battery electrode manufacture. You will collaborate within the Department, the University and across the Nextrode consortium. You will also play a leadership role within the research group and will assist in day-to-day supervision of post-graduate research students.



In this position, research will focus on the experimental development of new particle formation and agglomeration techniques for energy storage materials. Understanding of the relationships between manufacturing process, particle structure and product performance will be developed, and there will be opportunity to create new process design and scale-up tools for these processes.

Main duties and responsibilities

Carry out a plan of experimental research, contributing as a team member to the group and Nextrode project. Develop new and/or modify existing particle formation techniques to generate particles with improved processing attributes, novel internal micro-structures, and superior electrochemical performance. Apply and develop methodology for the characterisation of these particles and their performance in electrodes. Be proactive to plan, manage the project meetings and execute the project. Report to the work package leader and manage and prioritise own workload within agreed objectives to meet the deadline of all milestones of the project. Work with group members to develop processes, quality metrics, make and test electrochemical cells and interpret results in collaboration with scientific staff. Take a lead role in the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications. Present results and make recommendations via briefings, presentations and written reports, to facilitate the interpretation of specific issues or problems and to support scientific decision-making. This will include speaking to general or expert audiences in academia and industry. Be responsible for requisitioning consumables, procurement of equipment and services etc. for the research project, ensuring that spending is within the required budget and conforms to financial rules. Input as a team member to Department, Faculty and/or University administrative activities. Engage in training and continuous professional development. Travel (where possible) to present results and communicate with stakeholders at relevant meetings and conferences. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Hold a Bachelor/Master's degree in Chemical or Manufacturing Engineering, Materials science, or closely related discipline (or have equivalent demonstrable experience).


Essential


Application


Hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Materials, Chemical or Manufacturing Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).


Essential


Application


Knowledge of powder and/or multiphase manufacturing techniques, and experimental experience in spherical agglomeration, spray drying,granulation, crystallisation, fluidisation, and/or powder coating.


Essential


Application/interview


Knowledge of material and powder characterisation techniques, such as particle size and shape, powder flow assessment, advanced electron beam microstructural characterisation techniques and sample preparation for powders (e.g. cryo-SEM, FIB and/or TEM) and X-ray computed Tomography.


Essential


Application/interview


Knowledge of electrode and battery cell testing and electrochemical characterization techniques.


Desirable


Application/interview


Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the proven ability to write in English to a suitable standard for the

preparation of written reports, publications and presentations.


Essential


Application/interview


Experience of managing industrial or academic project deliverables and liaising with stakeholders to update project progress and achieve project milestones.


Desirable


Application


Strong commitment to and understanding of health and safety in the workplace.


Essential


Application


Ability to assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities, and manage the organisation and operation of research meetings and collaborations.


Essential


Application


Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and a demonstrated ability to develop creative approaches to technical

problems.


Essential


Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

38,784 - 47,389 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Fixed-term until 30 September 2026

Line manager

Professor Rachel Smith

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe


For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Rachel Smith, Work Package 1 Leader of the Nextrode Research Project: at rachel.smith@sheffield.ac.uk

.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on as soon as possible following the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. Generous pension scheme. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways A range of generous family-friendly policies + paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.


We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.