Postdoctoral Research Assistant on Concentrated Electrolytes for Energy Storage and Conversion
Postdoctoral Research Assistant on Concentrated Electrolytes for Energy Storage and Conversion
Location: Rex Richards Building, Department of Materials, Oxford
We are seeking a well organised and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the group of Professor Robert Weatherup, to work on the application of highly concentrated electrolytes to electrochemical energy storage and conversion, as part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project.
Highly concentrated electrolytes have shown the ability to selectively suppress certain reactions in favour of others, including enabling aqueous (“water-in-salt”) electrolytes for Li-ion batteries and promoting carbon dioxide reduction over hydrogen evolution. You will perform research into the influence of electrolyte composition on reaction selectivity in the highly concentrated regime. This will involve a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS), to quantify solid, liquid, and gaseous reduction products formed during operation. The ultimate aim of the project is to establish relationships between electrolyte composition and reaction selectivity, informing the design of aqueous electrolytes for Li-ion batteries and improving the selectivity of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
Further information about the research group can be found at: https://emi.materials.ox.ac.uk/
This is a full-time, fixed-term post for two years and is based at the Department of Materials.
About You
- You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering or a related discipline.
- You will have experience in electrochemical methods relevant to batteries or electrocatalysis, alongside experience in spectroscopic methods for probing solvation structure and electrolyte stability.
- You will be able to analyse and interpret complex experimental data, manage your own research activities effectively, and deliver high-quality results to agreed deadlines.
- Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals, and work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
- You will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Experience in molecular dynamics simulations or other electrolyte modelling approaches would be advantageous.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include three short sections (~100 words each):
(a) A description of your top publication, stating the key achievement and how you contributed to this
(b) Previous experience in electrochemical methods
(c) Previous experience in spectroscopy techniques for probing solvation structure and electrolyte stability
CVs alone will not be considered. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Thursday 4th June 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place online on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Salary: £39,424 - 47,779 per annum
Vacancy ID: 186253
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