Research Associate in Numerical Modelling of Electrochemical Carbon Capture Processes

We are seeking a creative and motivated post-doctoral researcher to work as part of our international and multidisciplinary team on the CETP-funded DRIVE (“Deep Removal of CO2 and Innovative Electrification concepts”) project (https://drive-co2.eu). DRIVE is a pioneering project at the forefront of combating climate change by focusing on CO2 capture in industrial settings. Aligned with the ambitious goals set by the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and in harmony with the European Union’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, DRIVE aims to revolutionise the way we approach carbon emissions. Transition Initiative 3 (TRI3) under the CETP framework emphasises enabling climate neutrality through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) or Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). DRIVE specifically targets the initial stages of CCS and CCU chains, with a primary focus on enhancing CO2 capture to facilitate negative emissions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder is required to: 

• Conduct collaborative interdisciplinary research on numerical modelling of electrochemical-based carbon capture plants and developing other as-required modelling work to support the activities of the team. 
• Have strong experience in numerical modelling, preferable with Python. 
• Have a strong collaboration with the team and project partners to integrate process models with techno-economic analysis and life-cycle analysis. 
• Work collaboratively with the team to achieve the project goals. This includes coordination of interdisciplinary teams, supervision of students/junior researchers and maintenance/support of the facilities/equipment. 
• Prepare technical reports, posters and presentations for progress meetings, advisory board meetings and other as required dissemination activities. 
• Project coordination with other partners, work both independently and as part of a team to achieve overall programme milestones to time, liaising with team members, collaborating project partners and sponsors. 
• Take responsibility for progressing a primary research project, whilst also contributing to other projects underway within the team, e.g., supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria 

• PhD (or about to obtain) in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or related discipline (e.g.  mathematics or other engineering) with background and demonstrable expertise in numerical modelling.   
• Experience of applying numerical methods to solve sets of differential equations in a coding language such as: Python, MATLAB etc. 
• Experience of using experimental data to tune and fit model parameters. 
• Experience on process validation.  
• Experience with knowledge sharing and training members of the team. 
• Experience with publication of academic journal papers and reports. 
• Working in an interdisciplinary field, where gaining knowledge of new areas and techniques is a constant requirement. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, and ability to communicate complex information clearly. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Strong knowledge of Python. Experience of object-oriented programming and developing Python modules. 
• Strong experience in integration of process data, thermophysical data and modelling approaches. 
• Knowledge/interest on data-driven approaches, i.e. machine learning. 
• Experience and knowledge in solvent-based CO2 capture. 
• Experience of interaction with industry. 
• Experience supervising students. 

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 27th August 2024

Interviews are expected to commence week commencing 2nd September 2024

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