Research Fellow A in Metal Recovery

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The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher to join ReLiFE (Recovery of Lithium from end-of-LiFE EV batteries), an EPSRC-funded project developing a new bioelectrochemical technology for the selective recovery of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research at the interface of bioelectrochemical systems, electrochemical engineering, resource recovery and sustainable battery recycling.

The project aims to translate a laboratory-validated lithium recovery process into a continuous-flow prototype and demonstrate its performance using real battery waste streams. Based within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Biosciences at the University of Surrey, you will lead the experimental programme for the development and testing of the bioelectrochemical lithium recovery system. You will work closely with the academic research team and industrial partners across the battery recycling value chain, providing an opportunity to undertake applied research with a clear pathway towards commercial deployment.

In this role, you will design, build and operate laboratory and continuous-flow bioelectrochemical systems, investigate and optimise key operating parameters affecting lithium recovery, and evaluate process performance and stability using heterogeneous real-world battery waste feedstocks. You will undertake electrochemical and analytical characterisation, quantify lithium recovery and product purity, and contribute to demonstrating the production of high-purity lithium compounds suitable for reuse within the battery value chain. You will also support prototype scale-up and integration, analyse and interpret experimental datasets, and work with the wider project team to generate the technical data required for techno-economic and life-cycle assessment.

You will contribute to project reports, research publications, conference presentations and engagement with industrial partners, and will play an important role in translating the ReLiFE technology from laboratory research towards an industrially relevant prototype and future commercial deployment.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.

You should have hands-on experimental experience with bioelectrochemical or electrochemical systems, including the design, operation and troubleshooting of laboratory-scale reactors. Experience in lithium recovery, battery recycling, continuous-flow systems, electrochemical characterisation or analytical techniques would be advantageous.

You should be able to work independently, analyse and interpret experimental data, and communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary academic and industrial team.

How to apply

Please submit your application through the University of Surrey recruitment portal. Applicants should include a CV with a publications list and a cover letter.

The position is fixed term until June 2027.

Informal enquiries are very welcome. Please contact Dr. Siddharth Gadkari [email protected] , Professor Claudio Avignone Rossa [email protected] , Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan [email protected]  or Professor Satheesh Krishnamurthy [email protected]  

Further details

Job Description