Research Fellow
£36,500 / yr base salary
Posted 5 Oct 2026
Advertised as “Research Fellow (Battery Recycling) - School of Metallurgy and Materials - 108039 - Grade 7”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- Grade 7
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Contract
- Contract
| Base salary | £36,500 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyEngineering, Science, Battery Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electronic Engineering, Materials Recycling, Mechanical Engineering, Particle Engineering, Process Engineering
Study levelBachelor's or higher
Position Details
School of Metallurgy and Materials
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2029
Closing date: 1st November 2026
Background
The post is a fixed-term Research Fellow for the “SHREDDER” (Sustainable High-value Recovery via Engineered Deconstruction of Energy storage for Reuse) project funded by Innovate UK, a collaborative research and development programme led by Ecobat Solutions UK Ltd, in partnership with the University of Birmingham and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
SHREDDER addresses a critical separation challenge in UK lithium-ion battery recycling: current mechanical shredding processes produce mixed “black mass” in which graphite and metals are contaminated and difficult to separate, resulting in significant loss of recoverable material value. The project reconceptualises shredding from a simple size-reduction step into an active, parameter-controlled separation process, enabling selective liberation of high-value materials at source.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham will investigate the relationship between shredding conditions (mechanical inputs, process atmosphere, and moisture regime) and material outputs, using a purpose-built research shredder developed through the prior DEMO project. Findings will be translated by MTC into industrial-scale engineering designs and validated on Ecobat's operational recycling line at Darlaston, progressing the technology from laboratory concept (TRL~3) to industrial validation (TRL-7) over 36 months.
The postholder will work within the Energy Materials Group (EMG) and contribute to writing future bids; operating within area of specialism. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results; contribute to generating funding; and contribute to licensing or spin-out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and public understanding of the discipline.
Role Summary
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Analyse and interpret data
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with other battery recycling project researchers within the University of Birmingham and at other partners
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, and presentations