Location
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£36,636 to £46,049 per year with potential progression up to £48,822

About the Role
This fixed-term Research Fellow position is funded through the HERMES project (Hazardous Energy Recycling: Methods for Emerging Specialist Chemistries), a 30-month Innovate UK-funded initiative led by Recyclus Group Ltd in partnership with the University of Birmingham. The role is based within the Energy Materials Group (EMG) in the School of Metallurgy and Materials.

The post-holder will focus on developing and validating safe shredding and materials-recovery processes for lithium-metal batteries (LMBs), which currently lack a viable commercial recycling route in the UK due to their reactive nature and associated safety risks. This research will directly support Recyclus' shredder redesign and scale-up, contributing to establishing a first-of-its-kind UK LMB processing capability.

Key responsibilities include designing and conducting experimental work to identify safe discharge and passivation methods, investigating shredding parameters and atmosphere conditions, developing materials separation and recovery techniques, conducting safety and hazard assessments, and preparing technical reports and dissemination outputs. The role also involves supporting supervision of project staff, contributing to research-related activities and administration, and engaging in enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities.

The University of Birmingham offers a supportive and inclusive working environment with a generous benefits package including 40 days paid holiday, one paid volunteering day per year, occupational sick pay, pension scheme, and access to high-quality subsidised day nurseries. The campus features excellent transport links, a state-of-the-art sports centre, shops, eateries, an art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens.

Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline or equivalent qualifications
- PhD completed or near completion in materials recycling, battery manufacture, minerals or process engineering, chemistry, or mechanical, electronic or chemical engineering
- Prior knowledge or experience in mechanical shredding or comminution processes, particle/material separation techniques, battery safety or reactive/hazardous chemistry handling, and analytical characterisation (e.g. ICP-OES, SEM, XRD, XRF) is highly desirable; training will be provided where needed
- Demonstrable high-level analytical capability and ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences
- Proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate own work to avoid conflicts or duplication
- Experience in assessing resource requirements and using resources efficiently
- Understanding of research planning, organising, and administration processes

About You
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to contribute positively to a fair and equitable workplace
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with university policies and the Equality Act 2010
- Ability to foster good relations and advance the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
- Willingness to engage in enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities
- Ability to deal with challenges affecting research objectives and deadlines

Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
- PhD or near completion in a relevant field as described above