Are you seeking experience in battery research? The University of Birmingham is organizing an enticing undergraduate battery internship of 8 weeks under the Birmingham Energy Materials Group. It must be noted that the internship falls under the FAST Project by the Faraday Institution, which happens to be one of the major projects in the UK for the development of batteries.
The undergraduate battery internship offers a rare opportunity to work on Li-ion batteries, combining laboratory work, advanced characterization techniques, and research collaboration.
Undergraduate Battery Internship Overview
- Place: University of Birmingham, UK
- Period: 8 weeks (summer of 2026)
- Remuneration: Internship with pay
- Research focus: Lithium-ion batteries, energy materials
- Closing date: 29 April 2026
This initiative is run by Professor Emma Kendrick and introduces students to the broader network of research being done at the Faraday Institution.
What You Will Work On
During your internship, you will play an active part in experimenting with batteries. Your tasks will include:
- Fabrication of electrode materials and coin cell assembly
- Incorporation of reference electrodes into Li-ion batteries
- Electrochemical cycling under various conditions
- Study of battery stability and efficiency
The practical experience gained during your internship will be especially beneficial to those students who are interested in working with batteries.
Skills and Experience You Will Gain from the Undergraduate Battery Internship
The program aims to develop practical skills and scientific knowledge in:
- Hands-on training in battery production and assembly
- Knowledge of electrochemical methods like cycling and characterization studies
- Insight into the degradation and stabilization processes of Li-ion batteries
- Communicating science through oral presentations at the conclusion of the program
- Interacting with scientists from all over the Faraday Institution
Students looking toward a career in energy storage, electric vehicles, or material science will benefit immensely from this opportunity.
Who Should Apply for the Undergraduate Battery Internship
This program is suitable for only undergraduate students studying full-time in United Kingdom universities and specializing in:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics or other relevant fields
Those with an inclination toward electrochemistry, batteries, or energy storage technologies will find this experience highly valuable. Having laboratory experience is advantageous but not mandatory if one shows sufficient enthusiasm and basic understanding.
Program Highlights
Why this internship is unique:
- Paid opportunity to conduct research at a prestigious UK university
- Hands-on learning from an established team of battery researchers
- Membership in the research network of the Faraday Institution
- Involvement in cohort activities and networking
- An opportunity for a final presentation
Why This Internship Matters
In the wake of the fast development of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, lithium-ion batteries have maintained their position as the focus of global research efforts. Projects such as the Faraday Institution’s FAST Initiative are already shaping future generations of batteries.
Access to a real-life project that involves working with batteries is relatively uncommon in an undergraduate career and, thus, adds value to the program in terms of gaining knowledge and experience.
Application Details
Application deadline: 29 April 2026
- More information HERE
Make sure to prepare your application early, as positions are likely to be competitive.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
For maximizing your chances of selection:
- Include your lab/project experience relevant to electrochemistry or material sciences
- Include your coursework/research on battery technology, super capacitors or energy systems
- Focus on the practical skills you have, for example, using MATLAB software
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm regarding energy storage and its application
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Final Thoughts
This internship is highly valuable for those who wish to pursue careers in battery research or energy materials. Apart from learning new skills, this internship program helps the individual get involved in a research environment that is contributing towards the future of energy storage.
If you are seriously considering a career in the energy field, you should consider this option.
Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate Battery Internship
1. Is the University of Birmingham undergraduate battery internship paid?
This internship is indeed paid for a period of 8 weeks, which makes it a fantastic way to learn more about research and earn money simultaneously.
2. Who can apply for this internship?
Primarily, the internship is targeted towards undergraduates majoring in fields like materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or other relevant areas with an interest in energy storage and batteries.
3. What kinds of activities will interns get to participate in?
Interns would work on hands-on research, specifically electrode manufacturing, assembly of Li-ion cells, addition of reference electrodes, and testing batteries for performance.
4. Can I apply even if I don’t have any experience in battery research?
While it would help if you had some experience in electrochemistry or battery research, it is not mandatory. If you are interested in energy storage and have some knowledge of laboratories, then you can still apply.
5. What skills can I acquire from this internship?
You would gain practical skills in manufacturing batteries, testing them for performance, and analyzing data from experiments.
6. In which location will the internship be held?
The internship will be conducted at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
7. How long is the internship?
The internship will last for 8 weeks over the summer period of 2026.
8. When should the applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted by 29 April 2026, meaning that an early submission is highly recommended.
9. Are there any networking opportunities during the internship?
Yes, there are networking opportunities during the internship, including being part of the Faraday Institution network and participating in the cohort activities.
10. Does the internship conclude with a presentation or evaluation?
Yes, interns are required to give presentations on their research results at the end of the internship program.
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