Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term contract to 30 September 2027

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

In this role you will lead on the development of materials, catalysts, electrochemical characterisation, electrochemical modelling and corrosion performance evaluation within the remit of the Horizon Europe Project ‘REUSE’ (RP12W61135). 

The project is part of the Cambridge-based Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC) which is a long-term strategic partnership between TWI and the University of Leicester, which focuses on materials characterisation, materials modelling, performance evaluation, and novel materials development.

This is an exciting post where you will work closely with Dr Paul and Dr Maniam to develop novel catalysts for electroreduction of CO2. The focus of the development is on the use of non-toxic chemicals for electrodeposition of catalyst materials. Electrochemical techniques such as polarisation resistance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy etc. will be used for the electrochemical characterisation of the catalyst and evaluate the performance. The project will use in-situ imaging and electrochemical monitoring, namely, through optical-electrochemical technique to characterise the catalyst performance. To model the electrochemical and corrosion behaviour, multi-physics models will be developed and evaluated. The Project will ultimately develop a technology demonstrator prototype of the electroreduction of CO2. 

You will provide support to develop the catalyst, evaluate the performance and assess the quality of the catalysts. You will foster and encourage collaborative research projects in your research area, whilst interacting with project partners in addition to developing the strategic plan for the project, ensuring that the key milestones are met.

About you

With a PhD (or close to completion) in Materials, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering or a closely related field, you will have effective communication skills to collaborate with project partners. You are expected to display sustained productivity in respect of research publications with a clearly established track record of publication covering electrochemistry, corrosion, multi-physics modelling, materials science and engineering within which you have made contribution to the field. 

Ideally, your research strengths should include electrochemical model development (using multi-physics modelling tools), in-situ imaging and electrochemical monitoring, and materials characterisation. Experience of working with partners in different countries as part of EU projects would be a bonus.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Dr S Paul on [sp660@le.ac.uk]. 

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 10 October 2024

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