Location
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£42,254 per year (Grade 7)

About the Role
This fixed-term position (up to August 2029) is part of the European SuMaCer project, focused on the Sustainable Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics for Europe’s Net-Zero Industry Energy Devices. The role involves embedding life cycle thinking across the project by collaborating with researchers to gather data for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations and advising on improving sustainability in manufacturing processes. You will assess the sustainability of materials and processes following the EU’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, track economic and circularity indicators of prototype devices, and perform technoeconomic assessments (TEA) to identify costs, risks, and opportunities in the energy and hydrogen sectors.

The project consortium includes five academic institutions and eight industry partners working on batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysers to support the transition to Net Zero. You will lead and participate in eco-design workshops, provide prospective LCA assessments for low technology readiness level processes, and contribute to the planning and coordination of research activities. The role offers opportunities for UK and international travel to project meetings, conferences, and secondments across Europe, as well as engagement with both academic and industry partners.

Key responsibilities include planning and conducting original research, analysing and interpreting findings, publishing results, contributing to research strategies, supervising PhD students, and supporting knowledge transfer, enterprise, and public engagement activities within the School of Metallurgy and Materials.

Experience
- Extensive research experience and scholarship within the subject specialism.
- Demonstrated success in planning, undertaking, and project managing research to deliver high-quality results.
- Experience applying, developing, and devising successful models, techniques, and methods.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly to academic and non-academic audiences.
- Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

About you
- Ability to work effectively across disciplines, with a background in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research.
- High level of analytical capability with good knowledge of battery technology manufacture, recycling, and environmental impact assessment methodologies.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate research activities and collaborate with internal and external partners.
- Commitment to promoting an inclusive working culture and acting as a role model for equality and diversity.

Qualifications
- First degree in a relevant area of specialism.
- Normally a higher degree relevant to battery supply chains, manufacturing/recycling processes, or life cycle assessment, or equivalent qualifications.
- Demonstrable knowledge of life cycle assessment, technoeconomic assessment, and/or materials flow analysis is desirable.