A fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship in the area of energy storage materials is available under the joint supervision of Dr Nuria Tapia-Ruiz and Dr John Griffin in the Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University. The position is funded by Lancaster University and will be linked to the Faraday Institution FutureCat project for development of lithium ion battery cathode materials (https://faraday.ac.uk/research/lithium-ion/li-ion-cathode-materials/cathode-materials-futurecat/).
The intended project start date is October 2020, but can be earlier depending on the availability of suitable applicants.
The project will focus on development and characterisation of next-generation materials for lithium-ion batteries with improved performance in terms of capacity, safety and lifetime. During this project, you will be trained in core practical techniques in battery materials synthesis with particular emphasis on solid-state NMR and electrochemical characterisation. You will have the opportunity to further your knowledge through regular group meetings and seminars with other group members with experience in these areas. You will have access to brand new facilities and equipment, including a brand-new chemistry laboratory with cutting-edge battery equipment and departmental facilities such as solid-state NMR, X-ray diffraction suite, AFM and others.
Requirements
Applicants will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Masters-level or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in energy storage, enthusiasm to work in a laboratory environment, willingness to learn, a collaborative attitude, and will possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applications will be accepted until June 2020 but the position may be filled earlier than this if a suitable applicant is found.
How to apply
We encourage informal e-mail enquiries before submitting an application to Dr Nuria Tapia-Ruiz (n.tapiaruiz@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr John Griffin (j.griffin@lancaster.ac.uk). Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/). Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position may be filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. Please indicate on your application that you are applying for this funded PhD project.
About Lancaster University
The Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University provides a research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each student, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to the Athena Swan Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Our commitment to these principles is reflected in our recent receipt of an Athena Swan Bronze Award. The Department of Chemistry also operates an informal PhD peer-peer mentor scheme available to all students.
Funding details
The studentships will cover fees at the UK/EU rate plus the standard maintenance stipend (£15,009 for 2019/20).
