A doctoral degree (level 10NFQ) in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline.

Essential Criteria:

• A doctoral degree (level 10NFQ) in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline.
• Appointees will have at least 1 year of Post Doctoral Research experience.
• The applicant must be the first author on a minimum of 2 peer reviewed publications that emanated from their PhD research and these publications must be relevant for this project. Publications submitted to preprint repositories or manuscripts currently under review will not be accepted for this purpose.
• Proven research experience in the development of lithium–sulfur batteries.
• Proven experience in the synthesis and structural characterisation of functional materials for metal–sulfur batteries, in particular carbon nanomaterials.
• Hands-on expertise in material coatings, particularly using techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), or sol-gel methods.
• Strong background in electrochemical testing of metal–sulfur battery materials, including cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling.
• Demonstrated ability to use data processing software, such as Python and MATLAB, for the analysis of large and complex datasets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with operando or in-situ structural characterisation methods for the analysis of metal–sulfur battery materials.
• Experience with small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) for the structural characterisation of porous materials and nanostructures.
• Proven ability to design and model battery cell components and experimental setups using CAD software such as SolidWorks or FreeCAD.
• Experience working with academic and industry collaborators.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Research project management experience.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.
• Experience of working with large multi-disciplined teams.

Benefits at the University of Limerick

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:

• Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.
• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan
• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.
• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A-Z)
• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.
• Preferential rates for health insurance.
• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.
• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit and to the developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form.  You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality diversity and inclusion here.

Researcher Development

The University of Limerick Researcher Development Programme gives researchers an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills, knowledge and attributes necessary to complete their research and longer term career ambitions.

Additional Links:

Link to Human Resources Research Staff Webpage:      Research Staff | UL - University of Limerick

Link to the University of Limerick’s Strategic Plan            UL@50 - UL Strategic Plan 2019-2024 

Link to website for new staff                                          New To UL - Staff Roadmap 

Pension Abatement

If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.
Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

• A doctoral degree (level 10NFQ) in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline.
• Appointees will have at least 1 year of Post Doctoral Research experience.