This vacancy is open to employees of the University of Nottingham only.

We are seeking a skilled precision engineer to join the School of Chemistry Workshops at the University of Nottingham. The school is supported by some of the most comprehensive analytical and technical services in the sector and works closely with industry and academic partners. This post  supports a long‑established, multidisciplinary research group focused on developing more sustainable methods of chemical manufacture. The group has benefited from dedicated engineering support for over 40 years, and this role will play a key part in designing, developing and maintaining bespoke research equipment.

As a core member of the Precision Engineering Workshop Technical Team, you will:

• Collaborate with academic colleagues, post-doctoral researchers, postgraduates, and the wider technical team across all aspects of the School to design, develop, construct and maintain scientific equipment to precise tolerances
• Work with a range of materials using conventional and CNC machine tools and techniques, including milling, turning and fitting
• Undertake projects to design and deliver engineering solutions for research and departmental equipment, including ongoing development and improvement 
• Provide engineering and technical support for ensuring day‑to‑day research and operational needs are met
• Maintain Health and Safety standards throughout all aspects of your work.
• Contribute to outreach, public engagement and knowledge exchange activities
• Support the maintenance and safe operation of workshop equipment
• Provide expert advice and solutions on technical specifications to support evolving research needs.

About you

• Proven ability to undertake a wide range of practical and technical engineering tasks to solve a variety of queries and issues.  
• High levels of accuracy, reliability and attention to detail
• Willingness and adaptability to learn new skills, techniques and procedures
• Good IT skills, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) and  AutoCAD/Fusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of use and maintenance of typical engineering workshop equipment.
• Minimum of HNC in Engineering or equivalent subject, or Equivalent qualifications with considerable relevant experience or
   Substantial practical experience in a relevant precision engineering role
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks safely.

What we offer

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and University closure days
• Competitive Salary
• Ongoing training and professional development
• An inclusive, supportive working culture within a highly respected technical and academic environment.
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

 Contract details:

• Fixed term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
• Hours: Full time (36.25 hours per week Monday to Friday)
• Part-time applications welcomed (minimum 29 hours per week); please state preferred hours in your application 
• Job share arrangements may be considered

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Please contact Richard Wilson Richard.wilson@nottingham.ac.uk  if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

#LI-DNI

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Closing Date: 14 Jul 2026
Category: Internal Only

The successful candidate will undertake fundamental studies into chemical speciation and interfacial processes that occur during oxide dissolution. The role will combine laboratory-based dissolution, quantification with ICP-OES/MS, and separation through electrochemical deposition. Candidates with experience in analytical chemistry are desirable because the project involves advanced chemical state analysis with lab- and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopies to gain mechanistic understanding of metal–solvent interactions, insights into oxidation state changes, coordination environments, and dissolution mechanisms. 

The researcher will work closely with an external company and have the opportunity to visit their site in Stoke-on-Trent for material testing.

We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity. The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing women's careers in science. You can read more about what this means at https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan-charter and on our website https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/about/athena-swan.aspx 

If you are interested on this opportunity, please click apply now, submit your details and upload a copy of your CV.

The position will be offered on a 12 month fixed-term contract, to start as soon as possible.  The hours of work will be full-time (36.25 per week).  

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Coby Clarke coby.clarke@nottingham.ac.uk Please note applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 05 Jul 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

PhD role 2026: Electrocatalysis of sulfur redox in the solid state

Supervised by Prof Graham Newton, Prof Lee Johnson, Prof Darren Walsh 

Start date: October 2026 

Application closing date: July 17^th 2026

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student to work in our lithium-sulfur battery team at the University of Nottingham. 

The lithium-sulfur battery is very promising for our future energy-storage requirements, as it has the potential to exceed the specific energy of the lithium-ion battery. However, the performance of the battery is limited by several technological challenges. This project will focus on the interfacial processes occurring within lithium-sulfur cells with a particular focus on the development of new catalysts and electrocatalysts for sulfur redox reactions. We encourage applicants with a range of skill sets to apply. 

The candidate will work within the Nottingham Applied Materials and Interfaces Group at the University of Nottingham. Our research focuses on understanding the chemistry that underpins advanced energy systems and how this knowledge can be used to unlock a new generation of energy storage technologies for electrification of the automotive sector. The target is to enable alternative, sustainable technologies that can supersede the lithium-ion battery and the group maintains active research programmes in lithium-ion, magnesium-ion, lithium-air and lithium-sulfur batteries. Our approach spans synthetic chemistry, electrochemistry and device development, and is delivered in collaboration with a range of collaborators throughout the energy storage sector. 

The successful candidate will join Cohort 9 of the Faraday Institution PhD Training Programme designed to increase the knowledge, skills and aspirations of UK battery related PhD researchers, and setting up individuals for career success. The project will combine synthetic and analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and device fabrication, equipping the applicant with key skills vital for many of the UK’s emerging industries.  

Entry Requirements: You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project, including chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics or a related field.

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

How to apply: To apply, applicants must complete all the following steps:

a. Contact Graham Newton by email in the first instance to register your interest in this studentship (graham.newton@nottingham.ac.uk)

b. Submit a short Faraday Institution expression of interest form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XL23CSF 

 c. Apply through the University of Nottingham’s application portal: Postgraduate study - The University of Nottingham

Closing Date: 17 Jul 2026
Category: Studentships