Process Development Engineer – Lithium Ion Battery Recycling (Research Associate)

Vacancy terms: Full time or job share, fixed term until 30 September 2028

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate with a process engineering background to play a leading role in the University of Leicester’s RECLAIM project, developing short-loop recycling pathways for end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. Working with researchers in the Centre for Sustainable Materials Processing, you will lead the scale-up of Leicester’s oil-water separation technology from kilogram-scale batch experiments towards a continuous modular pilot process, helping advance the technology from laboratory validation towards industrial demonstration. The Centre specialises in translating and scaling up academic research and pilot processes through collaboration with industrial partners, with established research in lithium-ion battery recycling and the circular economy.

You will design, develop and optimise processes for mixed battery-chemistry black mass, including NMC and LFP, establishing mass and energy balances, operating windows and scale-up criteria. You will translate laboratory findings into engineering specifications and support the procurement, construction, commissioning and validation of a pilot unit capable of processing 100 kg of battery black mass per hour. Working closely with research and industrial partners, including at the Widnes demonstration site, you will contribute to technical reporting, publications, intellectual property, dissemination and future funding proposals, while supporting colleagues and students across the wider research programme. Regular travel to partner sites and hands-on pilot trials will form part of the role.

About you

You will have a PhD, or equivalent industrial experience, in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, mineral processing, separation science or a closely related discipline. You will bring experience of process scale-up, particularly translating laboratory or batch processes into pilot-scale or continuous operation, alongside practical experience of the design, specification, procurement, construction, commissioning or validation of pilot equipment. You will also have knowledge of relevant separation processes, such as solid-liquid or liquid-liquid separation, flotation, emulsions, particle separation or hydrometallurgy.

You will be an effective analytical problem-solver who can work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative research environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills will enable you to explain complex technical information and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Experience of battery materials, black mass, critical-mineral recovery, recycling or powder processing would be particularly relevant, as would experience of industrial partnerships, process safety, technical specifications, commissioning documentation or process-performance analysis. The role sits within the University’s interdisciplinary School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, whose research includes Sustainable Materials and Resources and combines scientific research with cross-disciplinary collaboration.