Dr Ajay Saroja

Dr Ajay Saroja is a postdoc working in chemical engineering. She was a member of the University of Southampton Prosper cohort in 2025.

We interviewed Ajay about her career journey and experience with Prosper - read more below.

Role

Postdoctoral researcher in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton.

Case study conducted

February 2026

What is your background as a postdoc?

I am currently a researcher in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton. My research is focused on the safety of lithium-ion batteries—specifically, I’m working on solid-state electrolytes. Conventional batteries use flammable liquids that can explode if they overheat; I’m trying to replace those with much safer solid materials to create the safe batteries of the future.

This is my second postdoc position. I completed my PhD in India and then moved to the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic to take up a three-year postdoc at University College London (UCL). My work there was also battery-focused, though it explored "beyond lithium" technologies like sodium and potassium batteries.

I’ve been at Southampton for two years now, with about a year left on my current contract.

Why did you join the Prosper cohort?

I reached a point where I felt well-equipped with technical research skills, but I didn't know the exact direction I needed to take to reach my goal of becoming an independent academic. I knew I needed a broader set of "uplifting" skills to progress, but I wasn't sure where to find the right resources or how to avoid deviating onto the wrong path. I saw Prosper as a way to access that missing information and get the support I needed to move forward.

How did you find the Prosper cohort?

Before joining the cohort, I had tried to explore the Prosper Portal independently, but I found it so vast and loaded with resources that it was actually a bit overwhelming—I didn't know where to start. Joining the cohort changed that completely. It provided a structured "package" that made the materials much easier to engage with.

The environment was very comfortable. Because we worked in small groups, I felt free to express my views and even talk about the "negatives" or challenges I was facing. Having mentors you can talk to freely makes a huge difference.

Which aspects of Prosper did you find most useful?

As an introvert, networking has always been a struggle for me. Prosper was incredibly useful in teaching me how to approach people, especially those at a much higher level in research. I learned how to use LinkedIn effectively and how to write to people to ask for advice or an informal chat.

I’ve already put these skills into practice. I reached out to several people who have recently secured academic positions to ask about their experiences and the difficulties they faced. They were so helpful—some even gave me feedback on my research and teaching statements! It was a real success for me to realise that people are actually very willing to help if you just approach them. I also found the focus on "reflection" very valuable; I now make a conscious effort to spend time reflecting on whether I’m heading in the right direction.

What are your future career plans?

My primary goal remains staying in academia. I want to build my own research group focused on material science and engineering, specifically looking at how disordered and amorphous materials can solve existing challenges in battery technology. However, Prosper has helped me develop a "Plan B." Before the program, I only ever had one path in mind, but now I know how to create alternative options if my first plan doesn’t work out

I completed a teaching professional course achieving Fellow of Higher Education academy (FHEA) certification and exploring how my writing and research skills could translate into industry roles. I’m still chasing my main goal, but I feel much more secure knowing I have other paths available.

If there’s one bit of advice you could give to a postdoc that was in the position you were in before you joined Prosper, what would it be?

I would say: just go for it! Explore what’s available and don’t hesitate. Every person will have a different experience, but you will definitely find it beneficial. The small-group interactions and the direct support you get will make you feel so much more confident than you were before. My own confidence level has increased significantly since I joined.