Research Fellow in Green Hydrogen

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the Energy and Materials research group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The position is funded by an Innovate-UK Investor Partnership scheme. It will be conducted in close collaboration with the University Spinout company Clean Hydrogen Ltd., at Surrey Technology Centre and its laboratories in Guildford.

The team requires a dedicated postgraduate researcher to develop a robust redox pair for efficient hydrogen production based on an innovative thermochemical-electrochemical looping process developed at the University of Surrey. The project involves designing a lab-scale hybrid thermochemical water-splitting rig, including an efficient thermochemical reactor integrated with a modified alkaline electrolyser to study its water-splitting performance and energy efficiency for green hydrogen generation using the synthesised redox pairs.

The Energy and Materials team at the University of Surrey has a strong background in the synthesis, optimisation and application of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage. The research group has specific interests in synthesising, characterising and fabricating small-scale electrochemical devices to develop novel and highly efficient water electrolysers and hydrogen fuel cells. Green hydrogen production, energy materials, and multiscale materials modelling with experimental approaches for use in a variety of sustainable electrochemical technologies (fuel cells, electrolysers, CO₂ reduction), reverse electrodialysis and metal-air batteries) are the other aspects of the research activities at the Energy and Materials group at the CPE.

The postdoctoral research fellow will work mainly at Surrey Research Park (0.9 of FTE) and the balance at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Surrey University. The project also needs close collaboration with the other relevant consortium members and collaborators to develop the technical datasheets for commercialising the hybrid water-splitting process through a combined theoretical and experimental approach. 

About you

Candidates must hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD or EngD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, or the other relevant major degrees (e.g., Industrial Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Fuel Cells, Electrolysers, Batteries, etc.).

Candidates must also have prior experience designing and testing alkaline water electrolysers, electrowinning metal-recovery electrolysers, and/or redox looping systems.

They also need independent laboratory skills, characterisation equipment services, and in-depth knowledge of electrochemistry and water electrolysers.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

Candidates should apply online, carefully answer all the application form questions, and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes, and the relevant publications to date). As part of the application, the applicant should also upload two letters of recommendation to the supporting documents.

Prospective applicants can contact: Dr Bahman Horri (b.aminihorri@surrey.ac.uk)
if they need any specific further information on the post.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  We therefore particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

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