Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874. Grade: 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

As the world grapples with water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, the need for sustainable technologies has never been greater. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) is an innovative solution where a photothermal conversion material at the air/water interface harnesses solar energy to generate vapor. This process separates salts and impurities from seawater, producing freshwater, and offers a promising response to the global water crisis. The rapid growth of solar energy technologies, known for their accessibility and efficiency, further supports this sustainable approach.

Through the ERC Starting Grant project "SolWator," we are advancing SDIE by developing 3D-engineered structures that improve efficiency and deepen our understanding of liquid/vapor interactions. Our research blends fundamental studies with applied R&D, collaborating with academic and industry partners. To further enhance our team, we seek a "Postdoc/Scientist (m/f/d) in Engineering Structure of Polymer-Based Porous Membranes".

You will lead efforts to design and fabricate advanced membranes for SDIE systems, with a focus on optimizing the air/water/membrane interface for maximum efficiency. Collaborating with global stakeholders, you will develop hybrid membranes featuring engineered porosity and photothermal functionality. This role includes supervising two PhD researchers, coordinating project activities, and mentoring students.

Role Summary

Lead membrane design, synthesis, and characterization.

• Coordinate experimental work, from synthesis to data analysis.
• Generate innovative ideas for enhancing aerogels and foams.
• Mentor students and collaborate with academic and industry partners.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Present findings at conferences.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Ali Sadaghiani a.sadaghiani@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 13^th November 2024

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