Research Fellow in Fuel Cells (107321-0226)

Location

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department

School of Engineering

Position Type

Fixed Term

Duration

2 Year Fixed Term Contract - Finishing no later than 31st December 2028

Salary

£35,608 to £46,049 per annum

About the Role

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor Shanwen Tao at s.tao.1warwick.ac.uk

This is a full time (36.5 hrs/week) fixed-term contract for up to 2 years, finishing no later than 31.12.28.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow for the ammonia fuel cell project led by Prof. Shanwen Tao.

The overall goal of the project is to develop new materials for direct ammonia fuel cells.

You will join our dynamic team with the expertise of materials discovery, materials for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and electrochemical synthesis.

This post is based at the University of Warwick at the School of Engineering.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone previously researching in fuel cells, electrolysers, electrochemical synthesis or similar areas.

About You

We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field of fuel cells, electrolysers or electrochemical synthesis.

You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques related to fuel cells.

You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication.

You will be expected to deal with any management/administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met

You will be able to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, both within and outside the University, to promote a collegial environment, while contributing to the life and community of the School through various duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work.

You will possess quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments.

Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential.

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).

About the Department

This post is based at the University of Warwick using our advanced experimental facilities at Warwick Research Technology Platforms.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.

The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees, and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick.

About the University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/ .

* World University Ranking 2026 , Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

Closing Deadline: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

* To apply, please click APPLY below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.

** You will be asked to attach a CV and Cover Letter. Within these documents, you should:

• Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).
• Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.
• Demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by specific reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable to restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Interview Date: End of March 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible

* Your application will only be considered if you complete and submit your application form before the closing deadline. You will not be able to submit after 11:55pm (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

** This information will be used in the shortlisting process. Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application.

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here .

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer .

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick .

Find out more about our awards and accreditations .

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance .

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description

JD - Research Fellow (107321).pdf - 152KB

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, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.