Process Development Engineer – Lithium Ion Battery Recycling (Research Associate)
Location: Leicester
Vacancy terms: Full time or job share, fixed term until 30 September 2028
Salary details: Grade 7 - £40,704 to £46,970 per annum, pro-rata if part-time
Hours per week: 37.5
Advert closes midnight on: 04 Dec 2026
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.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Jake Yang at jake.yang@leicester.ac.uk
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
