Research Assistant/Associate in Sustainable Carbon-Based Electrodes for Flow Batteries

Salary:

Research Assistant: £34,630 to £36,320 per annum

Research Associate: £37,369 to £41,885 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 12 November 2026

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant/Associate to join an exciting Innovate UK-funded feasibility project focused on developing sustainable electrode materials for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs).

The collaboration between Newcastle University and industry partners explores the potential of utilising waste-derived carbon materials into investigate the application of waste-derived carbon materials in high-performance electrodes for energy storage applications.

You will play a key role in accelerating the development and commercialisation of low-cost VRFB electrodes, supporting the growth of the UK's vanadium flow cell battery electrode supply chain and enhancing our global competitiveness in the energy storage market. This project will be conducted within the School of Engineering at Newcastle University.

This post is full-time and fixed term for up to 12 months (but no later than 31/10/2027). You are expected to take up the post from as soon as possible. 

To apply please submit your up-to-date CV and a cover letter (maximum of two A4 pages). The cover letter should include a description of how you meet the key criteria. Interview will be organised soon after the closing date.

Some travel may be required to attend conferences and meetings with collaborators. Pre-employment checks will be conducted before any job offer is made.

For informal discussions and queries, prospective applicants can contact Professor Anh Phan (the lead investigator of the project) at [email protected].

As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Click here for a self-study e-learning module on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics. 

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Characterise waste-derived carbon materials using various techniques such as SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, BET surface area analysis, elemental analysis, and other relevant methods


• Formulate and fabricate electrode materials for flow battery applications


• Conduct electrochemical testing and analysis


• Design, assemble, commission a laboratory-scale vanadium redox flow battery test rig and evaluate prototype performance, efficiency, and durability


• Work closely with industrial partners on project milestones and deliverables


• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes


• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)


• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator and/or groups overseeing the research project


• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination (report, papers, chapters, books)


• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

In addition for Research Associate

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project


• Determine appropriate methodologies for research


• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations


• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations and through publications


• Present research findings, at conferences, publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline


• Contribute to grant applications submitted by Principle Investigator, others (if applicable) and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

 Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

•    Experience in electrochemical testing and analysis


•    Experience in advanced functional materials, carbon materials characterisation and electrode engineering


•    Experience in redox flow batteries (ideally vanadium), other battery technologies, fuel cells or electrolysers


•    Experience of working with industry


•    Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy


•    Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences


•    Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results


•    Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues


•    Excellent IT skills in all major office applications


•    The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Advanced knowledge of electrode engineering, flow battery technologies, materials characterisation and electrochemistry


• Experience in prototype development and engineering scale-up


• Ability to write peer reviewed journals and drive research agenda independentl


• Experience of working in a laboratory environment


• Awareness of the research environment


• High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity


• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity


• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team


• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines


• Commitment to continued professional development


• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity


• The ability to take the initiative in pursuit of agreed objectives


• Willingness to work flexibly (when appropriate) by mutual agreement


• Willingness to travel and visit project partners


• Willingness to supervise Master and PhD students

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry or a closely related discipline


• PhD near to completion in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry or a closely related discipline

Research Associate

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry or a closely related discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29884