Lead Engineer

Job Description

Lead Engineer (110349-0325)

Location: University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department: WMG
Position Type: Fixed Term
Duration: Fixed-term contract until 31st March 2027
Salary: £46,735-£55,755 per annum

About the Role
For informal inquiries, please contact Melanie Loveridge, Associate Professor (Research Focused), at M.Loveridge@warwick.ac.uk

Based at WMG, University of Warwick, this position is central to understanding and improving Li-ion battery safety and performance. As the demand for high-energy batteries, particularly for vehicles, increases, so do safety concerns. To address these, the Battery Forensic team plays a key role in investigating field failures and autopsy methodologies. This role will lead efforts in forensic research and diagnostics and will also contribute to the development of a bespoke prismatic cell facility at Wellesbourne.

The forensic approach at WMG involves diagnostics and research across various scales—from material analysis to full battery (cell-level) examination. This helps address issues impacting battery performance as new materials and energy storage technologies evolve. The role involves both overseeing and participating in laboratory work, including handling battery materials, performing diagnostics, and characterising batteries. This will be supported by access to cutting-edge materials characterisation equipment, such as SEM, X-Ray Tomography, XRD, and other X-ray analytical techniques. You will collaborate with companies to apply forensic techniques to characterise batteries and devices, while also contributing to the development of real-time approaches to understanding battery failure mechanisms.

We are open to applications for part-time or flexible working arrangements, even if the position is advertised as full-time, unless operational constraints prevent it.

About You
This is a unique opportunity for a creative, ambitious scientist or engineer interested in forensic investigations into energy storage devices. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in battery testing and characterisation, particularly in disassembling cells for reverse engineering and post-mortem analysis. Experience working with industry is crucial, alongside a strong academic background in these areas. Additionally, experience in supervision and training is required.

For more details on the qualifications and skills required for this role, please refer to the personal specification section of the attached job description.

About the Department
WMG is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff, renowned for providing innovative solutions through its research, development, and education programs. Our education portfolio includes nearly 3,000 students in management, technology, and applied engineering at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Our courses are highly ranked, regularly among the best in the UK and internationally.

At WMG, we are committed to supporting staff in reaching their potential. We hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, and the University of Warwick has an Institutional Silver Award, which recognizes gender equality and success for all in academia.

For more information about WMG, visit our website. For further details on the WMG Centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, please see our website. More information on the Energy Innovation Centre can be found here.

About the University
Founded in the 1960s, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive institution known for its high academic and research standards. Ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, 92% of Warwick’s research is deemed ‘world-leading or internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Warwick offers a dynamic, diverse, and globally connected community, dedicated to making real-world progress and supporting individuals to achieve their ambitions.

For more details, visit our website.

How to Apply
CLOSING DATE: Monday 24th March 2025 at 11:55pm

To apply, submit your application form by the closing date. Please ensure to submit your application before the deadline, as the system will not accept applications after 11:55pm, even if the form is open.

Your application must include:

An updated CV detailing your most recent employment, relevant experience, and educational history

A cover letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description

Right to Work in the UK
If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please refer to the link provided for more information on obtaining the right to work in the UK.