Research Fellow in Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Device Manufacturing and Recycling

This fixed-term research position at the University of Birmingham focuses on embedding life cycle assessment (LCA) within the SuMaCer project, a Horizon Europe initiative. The successful candidate will evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of manufacturing and recycling processes for energy devices (batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers) while advising researchers on sustainability improvements. The role involves data collection, prospective LCA modelling, techno-economic assessments, and collaborative workshops with industry and academic partners. Ideal for researchers with expertise in LCA, materials science, or energy systems who can bridge technical and policy audiences.

• Conduct life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts of manufacturing and recycling processes for energy devices (batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers).
• Gather and analyse data from researchers designing new manufacturing processes, focusing on safety, sustainability, and circularity metrics.
• Perform prospective LCA assessments for low-technology-readiness-level (TRL) processes using defined future scenarios.
• Develop techno-economic assessments (TEA) to estimate costs, risks, and opportunities in the energy and hydrogen sectors.
• Lead and participate in eco-design workshops to advise researchers on improving process sustainability.
• Coordinate with academic and industry partners to align data requirements with project goals.
• Disseminate complex findings to academic and policy audiences, ensuring clear communication of sustainability credentials.