Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
WMG
Salary
£32,348 - £42,155 per annum
Location
University Of Warwick, Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2024, 36.5 hours per week.
WMG has recently been awarded a large project working with a major UK Motorcycle manufacturer, focusing on the electrification of motorcycles. As part of this project, WMG are undertaking extensive research into the design, simulation and experimental evaluation of battery and electric powertrain technology for integration within future electric motorcycles. This includes fundamental and applied research into battery ageing, thermal management and use in Vehicle to Grid applications. Within the project there will also be vehicle dynamics modelling, hardware in the loop validation, controls development and lightweight materials evaluation.
We are therefore seeking to strengthen our capabilities across these domains, through the recruitment of strategic positions across different levels of research and engineering. Further details on each of these positions, including the unique role descriptions and person specifications can be found in the respective advertisement.
At WMG, you will be working within a highly multidisciplinary and collaborative team that comprises leading academics, engineering professionals and dedicated researchers. Our energy storage expertise spans fundamental research in electrochemistry through to system-scale solutions for a range of applications. Much of our research is underpinned by core capabilities in mathematical modelling, advanced characterisation, instrumentation, systems engineering, validation and control methods. To support our research, we manage the WMG Energy Innovation Centre, a national centre for battery research.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes all applications.
We will provide a great range of benefits which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities.
At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.
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 (£31,411). 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 (£32,348).
If you require further information about this position, please contact Dr Andrew McGordon ([email protected])
Interview Date: TBC
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE:
You will undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Assist the Project Leader and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Project Specific Responsibilities.
• To plan and implement experimental research to understand the impact of novel charging strategies (including V2x) on lithium-ion battery performance and health.
• To develop mathematical models of battery performance and health to support overall system design and control system creation and validation.
• To support industrial partners with the development of battery charging hardware and to explore methods of integrating novel control techniques for evaluation.
Principle Accountabilities.
Research and scholarship
1. Help establish a sound research base within the department in order to assist the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
2. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
3. Write up research work for publication.
4. Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
5. May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes, to support a developing research agenda.
6. May present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
7. May contribute to the preparation of papers for steering groups and other bodies.
8. Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
9. Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
Teaching and Learning Support
1. Could be expected to contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the department.
2. Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
3. May be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
Administration and Other Activities
1. May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
2. Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
3. Work within budget constraints.
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.
Essential Criteria 1
Good honours degree and possession of a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in relevant discipline (electrical engineering, physics, computer science, electrochemistry). (a)
Essential Criteria 2
A good understanding of lithium-ion battery technology within the context of novel transport applications, including measures of performance and health monitoring/assessment. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 3
A good understanding of lithium-ion battery technology within the context of novel transport applications, including measures of performance and health monitoring/assessment. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 4
Experience of planning and conducting lithium-ion battery characterisation programmes to quantify performance and health. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 5
Experience of building and integrating lithium-ion battery models and control algorithms to support vehicle integration. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 6
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 7
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 8
Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 9
Ability or potential to contribute to the development of funding proposals in order to generate external funding to support research projects. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 10
An understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 11
Good effective communication (oral and written) skills, presentation and training skills. (a, c, d)
Essential Criteria 12
Good interpersonal skills. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 13
Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team and contribute positively to a collegial team environment and to be able to work independently. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 14
Ability to initiate, plan organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines. (a, c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and, where relevant, industry audiences. (a, c)
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.
For further information about the WMG department, please visit the departmental website.
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual's differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. To find out more about our social inclusion work at Warwick visit our webpages here.
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.
Warwick is committed to building an organisation of mutual respect and dignity, promoting a welcoming, diverse and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. Where possible, we go beyond legislation to provide a place where everyone can thrive, supporting all staff to achieve their full potential. We aspire to remove economic, social and cultural barriers that may otherwise prevent people from succeeding. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all communities regardless of culture, background, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion/belief, or sexual or romantic orientation.
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University's Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.
Closing Date
27 Feb 2023