Research Fellow in Automated Electrolyte Discovery for Aqueous Al-ion Batteries

Research Fellow in Automated Electrolyte Discovery for Aqueous Al-ion Batteries Closing Date: 2026-09-18T22:59:59.000Z About us UCL Department of Chemical Engineering is one of the top research and teaching departments in the UK and has world-class standing. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and has an extensive research portfolio across a wealth of areas, from molecular scale to complex systems. About the role The successful candidate will lead experimental research on aluminium battery electrolyte discovery and optimisation, developing and operating automated high-throughput electrochemical screening platforms integrating flow systems, robotics and laboratory automation. The post holder will conduct robot-assisted advanced electrochemical and operando characterisation studies using Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC). The successful candidate will generate, curate and analyse large experimental datasets, and develop machine learning models and optimisation frameworks for AI-guided electrolyte discover, as well as construct, test and evaluate full aluminium-ion battery demonstrator cells. Salary is £46,261-£48,679 per annum inclusive of London allowance. This is a fixed term role until 29th February 2028 in the first instance. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information. About you The candidate should hold (or shortly expect to obtain) a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or cognate discipline and with an undergraduate degree (2(i) minimum) or M.Sc. in a relevant field. Demonstrable experience with advanced electrochemical characterisation techniques and/or laboratory automation technologies is essential. The successful candidate will have experience or knowledge of flow chemistry, liquid handling and laboratory automation, along with experience of computational modelling and data-driven approaches, including machine learning methods, optimisation techniques, and relevant programming skills. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact a.kibler@ucl.ac.uk . If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact chemeng.safety@ucl.ac.uk . The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/