Postdoctoral Research Associate in Waste-Derived Sodium-Ion Battery Materials
Develop sustainable sodium-ion battery anodes from plastic waste using advanced synthesis and characterisation techniques.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in materials synthesis, electrochemical characterisation, and waste-to-energy conversion, particularly those interested in sustainable battery technologies.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at Queen Mary University of London focuses on transforming plastic waste into high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes. The project leverages patented technology to convert waste into carbon-tin composites, aiming to bridge fundamental science and industrial applications. The successful candidate will conduct high-temperature synthesis, characterise materials using advanced techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman), and optimise electrochemical performance from lab-scale to pilot production. Collaboration with PhD students, industry partners, and national facilities like Diamond Light Source is expected.
What you'll do
- Conduct high-temperature, high-pressure synthesis of carbon-tin composites from plastic waste feedstocks.
- Characterise materials using SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and gas analysis.
- Perform electrochemical testing on coin cells and pouch-cell demonstrators to evaluate performance.
- Scale-up production processes to pilot-relevant quantities and explore new waste streams.
- Collaborate with PhD students, industrial partners, and national facilities like Diamond Light Source.
- Optimise synthesis parameters to improve microstructure and cell performance.
- Oversee and contribute to the industrial translation of the technology.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, or a related field
Language: English (proficiency sufficient for academic research and communication)
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience in synthesis and characterisation of carbon, battery, or composite materials
- Proficient in electrochemical testing and cell assembly, including glovebox and air-sensitive handling
- Experience with SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and gas analysis techniques
- Track record of publishing and communicating complex scientific results
- No explicit eligibility restrictions mentioned beyond the required PhD degree
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must apply through the external WaveTrackr portal linked in the job advertisement. Ensure your CV, cover letter, and any relevant research documents are included in the application. The application process involves submitting materials online via the provided link.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement or relevant research documents
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