Research Associate in Particulate Modelling Generation Batteries

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An exciting opportunity exists within the battery manufacturing research group at the University of Sheffield to work on the Faraday Institution funded research project Next Generation Electrodes (Nextrode). This project brings together lithium-ion electrode manufacturing expertise from Universities across the UK (Oxford, Birmingham, Warwick, Southampton and UCL).

As Research Associate in Particulate Modelling for Next Generation Batteries, you will develop new theoretical and computational understanding of the relationships between manufacturing methods and conditions, the resulting particle arrangements in an electrode, and the final performance of the electrode in lithium-ion batteries. The modelling tools to be used are likely to include DEM and FEA, and there may be opportunities to apply Machine Learning techniques.

As Research Associate you will have a research leadership role in the group, and will assist in day‑to‑day supervision of post‑graduate research students. You will collaborate within the School, the University and across the Nextrode consortium. There may also be opportunities to include experimental work, microstructural assessment, data science or other relevant areas.

• Carry out research in modelling and simulation of particulate processes using appropriate software packages for techniques such as DEM, CFD, FEA and Machine Learning. Develop new and/or modify existing mathematical descriptions for particle/fluid interactions to improve the computational modelling of particle processes for battery materials.
• Apply and/or develop experimental methodology for model verification, parameterisation and validation.
• Be proactive to plan, manage the project meetings and execute the project.
• Report to the work package leader and manage and prioritise own workload within agreed objectives to meet the deadline of all milestones of the project.
• Work with group and consortium members to develop processes, quality metrics and interpret results from electrochemical cell testing in collaboration with scientific staff.
• Take a lead role in the preparation of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present results and make recommendations via briefings, presentations and written reports, to facilitate the interpretation of specific issues or problems and to support scientific decision‑making. This will include speaking to general or expert audiences in academia and industry.
• Be responsible for requisitioning consumables, procurement of equipment and services etc. for the research project, ensuring that spending is within the required budget and conforms to financial rules.
• Input as a team member to Department, Faculty and/or University administrative activities.
• Engage in training and continuous professional development.
• Travel (where possible) to present results and communicate with stakeholders at relevant meetings and conferences.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• Essential Hold a Bachelor/Masters degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Engineering, Materials science,…