Research Fellow – Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies (HCEFT) - New Materials for Batteries (110683-1225)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Shanwen Tao, Professor at s.tao.1@warwick.ac.uk

Two-year full time Fixed Term Contract - Further extension (total contract ending no later than 31 December 2030) may be possible.

The Warwick Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technology (HCEFT) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a strategically important and rapidly growing area of research focused on next-generation battery and fuel cell technologies. HCEFT is a dynamic new initiative bringing together world-class research teams from the School of Engineering, the Department of Chemistry, and WMG at the University of Warwick. Our mission is to drive innovation in electrochemical energy technologies—combining applied technology development with deep scientific insight. Backed by outstanding facilities and expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, modelling, and full device fabrication and testing, the Centre takes a holistic approach to developing advanced systems such as ammonia/methanol fuel cells and metal-based batteries (e.g. lithium, sodium, calcium). Other battery technologies are also within the scope of our research.

Role

We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join this exciting venture within the School of Engineering. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the following area: Exploration of novel materials for new materials for batteries targeting electric vehicles and renewable energy storage at grid scale.

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.

About You

You will hold a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject, and will either have a PhD (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science. The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of rechargeable batteries. You’ll bring strong subject knowledge, with a solid grasp of relevant research methods and techniques, enabling you to contribute effectively to ongoing research programmes. Experience or potential in contributing to funding proposals and securing external research funding is highly desirable. Collaboration is key to this role, and you’ll demonstrate the ability to work well with both academic and professional services colleagues, across disciplines and institutions. Your IT skills will include proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to use digital tools to support your research and presentations. You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong command of written and spoken English. Your ability to manage time effectively, stay organised, and work both independently and as part of a team will be essential to your success in the role.

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

This post is based at the University of Warwick, using our advanced experimental flumes in Engineering, and Warwick Research Technology Platforms, which have almost all the advanced materials characterisation facilities.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.

The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate. The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 26th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

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 job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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 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.

Job Description JD Research Fellow – Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies (CEFT) (110683).pdf – 215KB Opens in a new window

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.