Postdoctoral Research Associate - Reactivity at the Electrode-electrolyte Interfaces in Li-ion Batteries revealed by Operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy - Grade 7

Hours of work: Full-time - 35 hours per week

Tenure: Fixed term until November 2029

We are seeking to hire a talented post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) as part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship led by Dr Elisabetta Arca. The post will be based in the Department of Physics and in the Stepheson Institute for Renewable Energy, with occasional national and international travel.

As part of the team, you will be working on developing cutting edge operando XPS methodologies to understand solid-liquid interfaces in Li-ion batteries. Solid-liquid interfaces remain poorly understood yet they are crucial components of many devices, batteries in particular. Their properties affect performances and safety of the device, however probing these heterogenous interfaces is challenging, particularly if one wants to understand their dynamics under operational conditions. The goal of this project is to develop approaches that apply to full battery systems under real operating conditions, starting with Si-anode as case study, to unravel the dynamics at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and interphases at an atomic and molecular level.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project we welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in a range of fields including Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering.

To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload:

• CV of no more than 3 pages
• Covering letter, no more than 1.5 pages
• Description of your short- and long-term career plans (no more than 1 page)
• Sample of written work (e.g., a journal article) with a brief description (150 words maximum) of your contribution to the work and its relevance to this project
• The names of two referees 

For informal enquires about the post, please contact Dr Elisabetta Arca (Elisabetta.Arca@liverpool.ac.uk)

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 27 November 2026 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.