Studying a STEM degree?  Wondering what career to pursue?  Interested in finding out more about the battery sector?  Keen to spend time with a dynamic community of pioneering battery researchers seeking to find solutions to support a fully electric future? 

Project title: Metallic 1T phase MoS2 based fibers for energy storage

Project description:

We have found that metallic 1T phase MoS2 cathodes perform exceptionally well in lithium sulfur batteries. While our LiSTAR (https://www.listar.ac.uk/) project is making good progress on traditional batteries, there is interest in making batteries on fibers that can be woven into smart textiles. We have recently discovered that it is possible to make free standing fibers with metallic MoS2 nanosheets. The main objective of this FUSE project is to manufacture and characterize the fibers. Specifically, the intern will carry out chemical reaction to exfoliate and phase transform the MoS2, form the fibers, test their electrical and electrochemical properties, and if time allows make working Li-S batteries with the assistance of senior LiSTAR team members.

The intern will:

• Engage in research with the diverse 2DMD group members consisting of >50% women and members from non-majority demographic groups
• Undertake Synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional materials for batteries
• Develop foundational knowledge about batteries and energy storage
• Develop science communication skills through group presentations

Applicant requirements:

• Essential - A good knowledge of material science principles
• Essential - A good knowledge of laboratory working principles
• Desirable - Prior knowledge of 2D materials
• Desirable – Prior knowledge of battery materials testing

Supervisor: Prof. Manish Chhowalla

Location: in-person, Cambridge

Start date: The internship is a full-time role for 8 weeks, ideally undertaken during July and August.

PROJECT 2

Project title: Development of mathematical models and python/MATLAB simulation codes for thin-film based li-ion batteries

Project description:

The project aims to take existing mathematical models available in literature and further develop semi-empirical based models with available experimental data. Then further develop these empirical models to python/MATLAB-based codes. These models would be related to both conventionally coated and thin-film coated electrodes. These developed codes would help optimize the performance of conventionally coated and thin-film coated all-solid-state batteries.  This project is aligned with the work of FutureCAT (https://futurecat.ac.uk/).

The intern will:

• Engage in research within a diverse research environment
• Develop semi-empirical mathematical models and python-based simulation codes
• Learn battery terminologies
• Develop science communication skills through research group meetings

Applicant requirements:

• Essential - A thorough knowledge of primarily python
• Essential - Be keen towards reading scientific literature and mathematical models
• Desirable - Prior knowledge of MATLAB
• Desirable - Prior experimental knowledge related to batteries and their terminologies

Supervisor: Dr. Debasis Nayak

Location: in-person, Cambridge

Start date: The internship is a full-time role for 8 weeks, ideally undertaken during July and August.

INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Eligibility:

• Be registered full-time undergraduate student from a UK university
• Undertake the internship within the years of their undergraduate study (i.e., not in final year or during a subsequent Masters’ programme)
• Not have been a FUSE intern in a previous year
• Have the right to work and live in the UK (due to how the internship will be set-up by the University of Cambridge)

Funding:

A salary of £10.90/ hour across the UK or £11.95 / hour in London will be provided. This will be determined by the working address of the appointee, not the university's location. The funding is provided by the Faraday Institution.  The projects listed above are intended as in-person projects to be hosted in Cambridge, therefore, the £10.90/hour rate will apply.

Additional activities:

During the FUSE internship you will be able to attend Faraday Institution cohort events which will focus on a variety of topics to further develop your understanding of career opportunities in battery sector.  At the end of the programme, you will be invited to share a poster about your work and prizes will be awarded.

Application:

In order to apply for a Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE) 2023 internship, you need to complete the application form which will include expressing your project preference and uploading your CV alongside.  The deadline for applications is 5pm (BST) 31 March 2023.  We will endeavor to notify successful candidates by the 14 April 2023.  Interviews will be held towards the end of April 2023.

• Apply here: https://forms.gle/asEB1Ue3GgMsw4ci9

Diversity statement

The Faraday Institution is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse pool of talent for the fields of battery technology and energy storage.

The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.  The University of Cambridge has a responsibility to ensure that all workers are eligible to live and work in the UK.