Research Fellow in Mesoscale Materials Modelling for Solid-state Batteries

Chemical & Process Engineering

Applications are invited for a 30-month Research Fellow position in Mescoscale Modelling for Solid-state Batteries. The Research Fellow will work within a big consortium OPERA - A Horizon Europe Project (www.horizon-opera.eu) and will collaborate with leading experimental scientists from Spain, Germany, Norway, Austria, France, and Slovekia, who will develop zero-excess solid-state Li/Na-ion batteries, and operando technicques to understand the anode-electrolyte interfaces. The candidate will also have opportunities to interact with wider EU battery communities through the enagament with BATTERY 2030+ large scale initiative on Future Battery Technologies and collaboration.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with solid bresearch experience in mesoscale materials modelling to carry out meso-scale simulations of Li/Na dendrite growth in solid-state baterries, and to develop machine learning methods to assist multiscale modelling for zero-excess solid-state batteries. The candidate is expected to be experienced in coding and developing mesoscale computational models (e.g., CFD, finite element, lattice Boltzmann, phase-field theory) for addressing scientific problems. The appointed candidate will collaborate with two Research Fellows who work on atomistic modelling, as well as other Research Fellows and PhD students in Prof Qiong Cai’s group who work on mesoscale materials modelling for electrochemical energy devices. The appointed candidate will also collaborate with researchers in Prof Tao Chen’s group for learning and developing machine learning methods.

The post will be based within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (SCCE) at the University of Surrey, and will have opportunity to interact with a vibrant Sustainable Energy and Materials research team and the Digital Chemical Engineering team with 20 academics and more than 50 PhD and postdoc researchers. The Sustainable Energy and Materials team at the University of Surrey has a strong background in the design, synthesis, optimisation and application of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage. The research group has specific interests in multiscale materials modelling combined with experimental approaches for a variety of sustainable electrochemical technologies including fuel cells, electrolysers, and batteries.

The University of Surrey is ranked 13th in the UK in the recent Complete University Guide, and was awarded The University of the Year for Gradudate Employment in 2021. You will be well supported for your career development with comprehensive tailor-designed training programme for researchers, metoring schemes, and one-to-one career advice and support.

Candidates must hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Physics or other relevant major degrees. 

Candidates should apply online, carefully answer all the application form questions, and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes and the relevant publications to date). Prospective applicants can contact Prof Qiong Cai (Q.Cai@surrey.ac.uk) and Prof Tao Chen (t.chen@surrey.ac.uk), if they need any specific further information on the post.

Interviews planned for either the 20th or 21st September 2023.