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

Overview

The University of Leicester invites applications for a Research Associate to serve as a Process Development Engineer focusing on lithium-ion battery recycling. Based in the School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences within the Department of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, the position involves working on the RECLAIM project to develop short-loop recycling pathways for end-of-life electric vehicle batteries. The role is situated within the Centre for Sustainable Materials Processing and entails regular travel to partner sites and hands-on pilot trials, including work at the Widnes demonstration site.

What you get

The position offers a salary between £40,704 and £46,970 per annum, which is pro-rata if part-time, under Grade 7. The vacancy is offered as either full time or job share on a fixed-term contract basis until 30 September 2028.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD, or possess equivalent industrial experience, in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, mineral processing, separation science, or a closely related discipline. Applicants need experience in process scale-up, specifically translating laboratory or batch processes into pilot-scale or continuous operations, as well as practical background in the design, specification, procurement, construction, commissioning, or validation of pilot equipment. Knowledge of relevant separation processes such as solid-liquid separation, liquid-liquid separation, flotation, emulsions, particle separation, or hydrometallurgy is also required. Additional experience with battery materials, black mass, critical-mineral recovery, recycling, powder processing, industrial partnerships, process safety, technical specifications, commissioning documentation, or process-performance analysis is considered relevant.

How to apply

Interested individuals can apply for the position through the official closing date.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 4 December 2026.