Research Fellow – Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies (HCEFT)
| Posting date: | 09 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,608 to £46,049 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 February 2026 |
| Location: | Warwick University, Coventry |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | University of Warwick |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 110683-1225 |
Summary
Two-year full time Fixed Term Contract - Further extension (total contract ending no later than 31 December 2030) may be possible.
The Warwick Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technology (HCEFT) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a strategically important and rapidly growing area of research focused on next-generation battery and fuel cell technologies.
HCEFT is a dynamic new initiative bringing together world-class research teams from the School of Engineering, the Department of Chemistry, and WMG at the University of Warwick. Our mission is to drive innovation in electrochemical energy technologies—combining applied technology development with deep scientific insight.
Backed by outstanding facilities and expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, modelling, and full device fabrication and testing, the Centre takes a holistic approach to developing advanced systems such as ammonia/methanol fuel cells and metal-based batteries (e.g. lithium, sodium, calcium). Other battery technologies are also within the scope of our research.
We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join this exciting venture within the School of Engineering. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the following area:
Exploration of novel materials for new materials for batteries targeting electric vehicles and renewable energy storage at grid scale.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
About You
You will hold a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject, and will either have a PhD (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science.
The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of rechargeable batteries.
You’ll bring strong subject knowledge, with a solid grasp of relevant research methods and techniques, enabling you to contribute effectively to ongoing research programmes. Experience or potential in contributing to funding proposals and securing external research funding is highly desirable.
Collaboration is key to this role, and you’ll demonstrate the ability to work well with both academic and professional services colleagues, across disciplines and institutions. Your IT skills will include proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to use digital tools to support your research and presentations.
You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong command of written and spoken English. Your ability to manage time effectively, stay organised, and work both independently and as part of a team will be essential to your success in the role.
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. 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.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
The Warwick Hartnoll Centre for Experimental Fuel Technology (HCEFT) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a strategically important and rapidly growing area of research focused on next-generation battery and fuel cell technologies.
HCEFT is a dynamic new initiative bringing together world-class research teams from the School of Engineering, the Department of Chemistry, and WMG at the University of Warwick. Our mission is to drive innovation in electrochemical energy technologies—combining applied technology development with deep scientific insight.
Backed by outstanding facilities and expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, modelling, and full device fabrication and testing, the Centre takes a holistic approach to developing advanced systems such as ammonia/methanol fuel cells and metal-based batteries (e.g. lithium, sodium, calcium). Other battery technologies are also within the scope of our research.
We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join this exciting venture within the School of Engineering. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the following area:
Exploration of novel materials for new materials for batteries targeting electric vehicles and renewable energy storage at grid scale.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
About You
You will hold a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject, and will either have a PhD (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science.
The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of rechargeable batteries.
You’ll bring strong subject knowledge, with a solid grasp of relevant research methods and techniques, enabling you to contribute effectively to ongoing research programmes. Experience or potential in contributing to funding proposals and securing external research funding is highly desirable.
Collaboration is key to this role, and you’ll demonstrate the ability to work well with both academic and professional services colleagues, across disciplines and institutions. Your IT skills will include proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to use digital tools to support your research and presentations.
You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong command of written and spoken English. Your ability to manage time effectively, stay organised, and work both independently and as part of a team will be essential to your success in the role.
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. 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.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).