Research Fellow (Battery Materials and Interfaces) - College of Engineering and Physical Sciences - 108087 - Grade 7
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
£39,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2111 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £39,900, and THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2114 (Physical scientists). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2111 Chemical scientists Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £33,400 Clears | £37,500 Clears | £39,900 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Position Details
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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 March 2027
Closing date: 15th October 2026
Background
The post holder will work within the Energy Materials Group (EMG) under the line management of Dr Dominic Spencer-Jolly on the EPSRC-funded project, FLOWCAT (Flow synthesis of lithium-rich cathodes).
The post holder will continue ongoing work on the development of a continuous flow process for cathode precursor synthesis. They will: (1) synthesise and characterise cathode precursors prepared by continuous flow co-precipitation; (2) synthesise and characterise final cathode materials; (3) prepare and electrochemically test battery cells using cathodes made by this method.
Role Summary
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to the writing of research papers and/or patents
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
Person Specification
- A PhD (or near completion-post-viva) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or other relevant to the research area
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluent understanding of: (1) preparation of battery materials by co-precipitation methods; (2) characterisation of cathode particles by techniques including electron microscopy, particle size analysis, tap density analysis, and X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement; (3) battery electrochemistry
- Previous experience of (1) synthesis of battery materials by co-precipitation, and (2) electrode manufacture, battery assembly, and electrochemical testing
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
Informal enquiries to Dominic Spencer-Jolly, email: [email protected]
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Chemical scientists (SOC 2111) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~19k in sample- Middle half £32,084–~45,604
- Median £38,844
- Minimum £41,700
- Going rate £39,900
- New entrant £33,400–35,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAMAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2111 going rate of £39,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.