Research Fellow
The WMG Energy Storage Group specialises in multidisciplinary research addressing the challenges of sustainable mobility that include the integration of complex electrical systems, energy storage and management and advanced propulsion. The group has an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow who possess a successful track-record gained through either an industrial or an academic career, in the following areas: energy storage system modelling and simulation, fault identification and prognosis, and collaborative working within multidisciplinary projects with industry and academia. (Please note, this advert is for Research Fellow, if you are interested in the Senior Research Fellow please apply under the relevant advert). The project is funded by Innovate UK and is led by an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft manufacturer. This role would be within the Energy Innovation Centre – one of Europe’s largest battery research centres. This project focuses developing early detection methodology of lithium-ion battery safety critical mechanisms. It is important that the candidate has strong technical experience of working with batteries and associated modelling and simulation methods with a focus on diagnostics and prognostics. The successful candidate will need to have a good honours degree in a relevant subject, along with a PhD in a relevant discipline, and be able to evidence their capability in a subset of the following areas:
- Understand lithium-ion battery degradation and failure mechanisms
- Develop algorithms for battery state estimation, diagnostic and prognostics
- In-depth knowledge of electrochemical energy storage characterisation techniques
- Data collection and processing techniques, particularly applied to electrochemical energy storage system You will also work together with a Research Fellow supporting the testing and characterisation of cells, along with the other members of the project team. In return we provide a great range of benefits which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities. At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so. If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£30,046). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure (£30,942). If you require further information about this position, please contact Dr Anup Barai (a.barai@warwick.ac.uk) or Dr Dhammika Widanalage (Dhammika.Widanalage@warwick.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.Job DescriptionJOB PURPOSE You will undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Assist the Project Leader and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To advance and implement lithium ion battery prognostic and diagnostic algorithms.
- To work closely with an eVTOL industrial partner and ensure project deliverables are met. Research and scholarship
- Help establish a sound research base within the department in order to assist the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
- Write up research work for publication.
- Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
- May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes, to support a developing research agenda.
- May present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
- May contribute to the preparation of papers for steering groups and other bodies.
- Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
- Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism. Teaching and Learning Support
- Could be expected to contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the department.
- Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
- May be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects. Administration and Other Activities
- May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
- Work within budget constraints. Person specification Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation. Essential Criteria 1Honours degree, 2.1 or above in a relevant field (a)Essential Criteria 2Possession of a PhD in Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Physics (a)Essential Criteria 3Evidence of li-ion battery modelling for control and system applications (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 4Knowledgeable and aware of battery diagnostic and prognostic models (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 5Skilled in simulation tools (ideally Matlab and Simulink) (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 6Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 7A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output (a,c)Essential Criteria 8Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 9Ability or potential to contribute to the development of funding proposals in order to generate external funding to support research projects (a,c)Essential Criteria 10Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a,c)Essential Criteria 11Good effective communication (oral and written) skills, presentation and training skills (a,c,d)Essential Criteria 12Good interpersonal skills (a,c)Essential Criteria 13Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team and contribute positively to a collegial team environment and to be able to work independently (a,c)Essential Criteria 14Ability to initiate, plan organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines (a,c)Desirable Criteria 1Ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and, where relevant, industry audiences (a,c)Further ParticularsFor further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars. For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website. If you require further information about this position, please contact Dr Anup Barai (a.barai@warwick.ac.uk) or Dhammika Widanalage (Dhammika.Widanalage@warwick.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. For further information about the research facilities available in the Energy Innovation Centre, please visit the following link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/hvmcatapult/energyinnovationcentre Recruitment of Ex-Offenders PolicyAs an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice. Other InformationRight to work in the UK If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/ or are seeking sponsorship under Tier 2 of the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship under Tier
- The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences.
