Research Fellow

Fixed Term for 9 months (possibility of a 3 month extension)

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Research Fellow to work with academics and industrialists from the water sector on the extraction of energy from municipal wastewater. This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a strategically important project, delivering technical expertise whilst developing management experience. The highly innovative aspects of the project, together with the opportunity to work with an international collaborative team, which includes companies such as Severn Trent Water and Aqualia, are an invaluable combination for someone who wants to be a future leader in wastewater treatment / energy recovery. This position is an 9 month fixed term contract with the possibility of a 3 month extension

About the project:

In a future energy system based on renewable energy, water electrolysis (hydrogen production from energy) is expected to play a fundamental role. However, for the technology to be competitive there is a requirement to reduce the energy costs (approximately 80 % of the cost of hydrogen produced) of operating an electrolyser. Running a process with ammonia oxidation as the anode reaction could lower the operating cell voltage of the electrolyser and hence decrease energy costs.

About the role:

The Functional Materials Group, within the Institute of Future Transport and Cities (IFTC), is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to develop a working electrolyser which oxidises ammonia and generates hydrogen. This is for a ‘Greening the Economy’ project, REWAISE. Funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme it is part of a multi-disciplinary programme aiming to create a new “smart water ecosystem” to recover energy from wastewater.

Qualifications we require:

• A good Honours Degree in an appropriate discipline such as Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Engineering or a related subject.

And

• A relevant Masters Degree and/or PhD (or close to completion) in one or more of the following: electrolysers / fuel cells / hydrogen

Essential skills :

• Experience of electrode material development, electrode coatings, preparation and characterisation.
• Ability to carry out a research project under minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate clearly and take responsibility for the project
• Ability to work with colleagues at all levels in a research laboratory

Advantageous skills:

• Experience of one or more of the following areas: water electrolysis, electrochemical flow cells, fuel cells, electrocatalysis
• Experience of membrane electrode assembly
• Experience of using characterisation techniques such as electron microscopy and XRD
• Experience of using electrochemical analysis techniques.

Benefits:

• The chance to participate in a leading-edge project, develop management skills and improve long term career prospects
• The opportunity to work with an international collaborative team and expertise relevant to a future career in either academia or the energy / water industries
• European travel to meetings and conferences
• Dedicated Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability Development delivering high quality professional support for researchers, from PhD to Professor
• Our research strategy is underpinned by a £250m investment in research and facilities

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Dr John Graves

For general information T: +44 (0)24 7615 8258 or for project information: Dr.John Graves on +44 (0)24 7765 8624

Click here to view the job description and person specification.