Research Fellow

The role will involve the establishment of a coin and pouch cell manufacturing and testing process. Using materials produced within the project, coin and pouch cells will be produced to demonstrate in-situ operation of the novel battery components in a functioning rechargeable device. During the characterization of the battery several parameters will be monitored and/or controlled so that the response of the battery will be established in a wide range of operational conditions. Some of these parameters will include; i) suitable working voltage range, ii) maximum and minimum charge/discharge currents, iii) temperature and pressure standard work conditions optimizing battery performance, iv) energy density of battery, v) coulumbic efficiency, vi) ohmic resistance of the battery, vii) humidity range, viii) charge/discharge control regime.

Accelerated degradation tests using current, voltage and thermal gradient cycling for battery configurations. Tailored scenarios for power (W) or capacity (Wh) applications to decouple mechanical degradation of electrodes, current collectors and separators (high storage capacity applications) along with chemical/electrochemical degradation (high power applications).

Full-life (non-accelerated) tests of ca. 5000 hrs with periodic, in-situ non-destructive characterisation along with full post-mortem analyses. 

In-situ characterization will include voltage monitoring, impedance spectroscopy and high resolution X-ray computed tomography. Voltage and impedance analysis during operation will provide state of health (state of charge, side reactions, electrode operation) metrics of the electrochemistry, while the novel application of x-ray computer tomography to monitor the temperature-dependent electrode operation will provide key insights into material operational modes and potential degradation pathways prior to failure and ex-situ stack deconstruction.

The in-situ morphology and failure areas identified will be used to specifically target ex-situ (post-mortem) measurements. These will include electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy

Qualifications, Experience and Skills required:

The candidate will have a PhD** or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in energy storage or power electronic related area. It is anticipated the ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree and PhD in Chemistry, Engineering or related discipline. A keen interest in energy storage or electrical systems and a detailed understanding and knowledge of batteries, power electronics or battery materials. As a wider EPSRC project, the PDRA will require to liaise with other relevant researchers regarding aspects of this work and plan and manage group activities as well as their specific work package. A desire for an ultimate career in this field would be beneficial and the candidate will be required to travel to present at project meetings and workshops in the UK, national and international conferences, and assist with the production of project report and management documentation.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Richard Wills, Energy Technology Research Group, Email: rgaw@soton.ac.ukTel: +44 (0) 2380 59 7615.

About the University 

The University of Southampton is an institution in the top one per cent of world universities* and one of the UK’s top 15 research-intensive universities.  We have an international reputation for research, teaching and enterprise.  

About the Faculty 

You will join a leading Engineering Faculty with an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad.  In September 2013 an Athena SWAN Bronze award was received in recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering.

The Faculty offers exceptional research facilities in the areas of fluids, structures and their interactions, including a new world-class fluid dynamics facilities complex in the Boldrewood Engineering Campus, complete with a 138m towing tank. 

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality.  

*QS World University Rankings 2012-13

** Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded, the title of Senior Research Assistant will be assigned.

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Georgie Warren (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 7749. Please quote reference 1034918BX on all correspondence.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.