Job Description

Research Fellow (110478-0925)

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Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
WMG
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Salary
35,608 - 46,049 per annum
About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Zushu Li (Professor) at z.li.19@warwick.ac.uk

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

WMG, a world-renowned department at the University of Warwick, are recruiting a Research Fellow on developing steelmaking slags for producing high-quality steels via the scrap-based EAF (electric arc furnace) steelmaking route. Converting the BF (blast furnace ironmaking)-BOF (basic oxygen furnace steelmaking) to the scrap-based EAF route for steelmaking is attractive to decarbonise the steelmaking process, however, it requires significant slag development in both primary and refining steelmaking processes. The scrap quality including the residual elements contained in the scrap will influence the liquid steel composition, the slag properties and its refining performance, and slag utilisation. Refining slags particularly play a critical role in ensuring the steel chemistry to meet the grade specifications. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop the research framework (a combination of thermodynamic modelling and experiment) for designing refining slags for the specific refining process and targeted steel grades as agreed with the industry sponsor Tata Steel UK. This will support the transition of Tata Steel UK to the scrap-based EAF steel manufacturing. This role is jointly funded by Tata Steel UK, High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), and the EPSRC Future Steel Manufacturing Research Hub (www.sustainsteel.ac.uk). You will work with leading, multidiscipline academics from different universities and industry experts for the impactful research.



About You
You shall have a PhD or EngD in Materials Science and Engineering including Metallurgy, or a relevant discipline. We are looking for a researcher having proven knowledge in the research and development of green steel manufacturing with good understanding of scrap-based EAF steelmaking (including primary and refining processes) and scrap quality. The ideal candidate would have strong track-record in metallurgical slag research theoretically and experimentally.


This role offers the opportunity to conduct both independent and collaborative research, so you should be able to work independently as well as being part of a team. You should also have effective communication skills, written and oral, to enable you to secure external funding through research grants and to publish research outcomes in the appropriate journal, increasing your research portfolio. You should also contribute to the administritive aspects of the project and ensure the project is delivered on time.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the

About the Department
The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.


We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the

Athena SWAN Silver Award

and the

Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.


Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.


Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.



About the University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked

67th in the world

and

10th in the UK.

92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*


Find out more about us on our website.

QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021


How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 10th September 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment). Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

Your motivations for applying to the role. Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.


For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

Interview Date:

Late September

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.



What we Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.


We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.



Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.


Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.


Find out more about our awards and accreditations.


We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.


Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.



Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.