Research Fellow – Hartnoll Centre Experimental Fuel Technologies; HCEFT - Materials fo

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

We are recruiting a Research Fellow to join the Warwick Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technology (HCEFT). This two-year full-time Fixed Term Contract may be extended (total contract ending no later than 31 December 2030). The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in the area of novel materials for batteries targeting electric vehicles and renewable energy storage at grid scale.

For informal enquiries contact Shanwen Tao, Professor at

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for part-time or other flexible working arrangements (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

About The Centre

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 brings 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.

The Centre has facilities and expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, modelling, and full device fabrication and testing, and works on systems such as ammonia/methanol fuel cells and metal-based batteries (e.g. lithium, sodium, calcium) with other battery technologies within scope.

Role

We are recruiting a Research Fellow to contribute to projects in the following area:
Exploration of novel materials for batteries for electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.

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, or Materials Science.
• The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research with quality output in rechargeable batteries.
• Strong subject knowledge with a solid grasp of relevant research methods and techniques; experience or potential in contributing to funding proposals and securing external research funding is highly desirable.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and institutions; IT skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office and using digital tools to support research and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with strong written and spoken English. Ability to manage time, stay organised, and work independently and as part of a team.
• If not yet awarded a PhD, offers may be made as Research Assistant on level 5; upon successful PhD award, progression to Research Fellow on level 6.

Details and Application Process

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below. Closing date:
Monday 26 January 2026 at 23:55 UK Time
. To apply, submit an application form via the official careers portal with a CV and a cover letter. Your CV should include your education and employment history and any other relevant experience. Your cover letter should explain your motivations and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You may include details of career breaks. Interview date: to be confirmed.

Start date:

as soon as possible. Application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline.

What We Offer

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The School of Engineering holds Athena SWAN Gold; the University holds Institutional Silver.

Safeguarding & DBS

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to DBS checks at the appropriate level.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake work with the barred group.
• 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 disclose a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are visible to the DBS team, not hiring panels, to ensure fairness in shortlisting.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK, with 92% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more at

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK or require…