Salary £37,474 p.a. Full Time, Fixed-Term/Contract

Applications are invited for a researcher to work in the group of Prof. Oleg Kolosov in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University. You will use advanced nanoscale characterisation techniques to study electrochemical processes and material science of novel cathode and anode materials and the electrode – electrolyte interfaces. An overarching goal of the research is to advance the development of a new generation of Na-ion batteries by linking materials nanoscale structural and physico-chemical properties with performance of energy storage. The position leverages the significant momentum of Lancaster Group in the field of rechargeable batteries with publications in the high impact journals like Advanced Functional Materials, Nano Energy and Nature Communications.

You should have a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Material Science, Physics, Chemistry or relevant subject and will have experience in electrochemistry and nanoscale characterisation of materials. You should have a good publication record in these areas and exceptional experimental skills. You will implement scanning probe microscopy, micro-Raman, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and other advanced micro and nano-characterisation techniques in controlled environment required for studies of battery materials.

The positions are funded through the ISCF Faraday Battery Challenge (Faraday Institution Phase-Two projects (www.faraday.ac.uk)) to work on the NEXGENNA project (Next Generation of Sodium-ion batteries). You will work in a world top multidisciplinary research group in close collaboration with academic partners from 5 institutions across the UK and leading companies in the energy storage.

The initial position is available as soon as suitable applicant is selected to run until September 30, 2023, with an expectation that this will extend until September 2025, pending successful project review. The Senior Research Associate post comes with the matching starting salary of 37,474 p.a. and Flexible Benefits available via University policy.

Lancaster University is consistently highly ranked in the top 10 in the UK university league tables. It is located on a beautiful campus in the North West of England close to the stunning Lake District National Park. Lancaster University's Physics Department is one of the top in the UK for research. REF2021 rated 98% of our research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research environments as world-leading or internationally excellent. We strongly support the individual needs of each staff member and promote a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to the Athena Swan Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. In our drive to create a diverse, supportive community, we have attained Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver status.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Prof. Oleg Kolosov on o.kolosov@lancaster.ac.uk

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.