Research Fellow in Plasmonic Catalysis for Pollutant Abatement

The research fellow will work in the group of Andrew Beale in the Department of Chemistry, University College London but will be based at the Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot in Oxfordshire. They will be working on an international and diverse Catalytic Plasmonics project (CPLAS) that aims to explore chemical processes at the interface with plasmonic nanostructures and develop improved photochemical processes for a range of environmental and technological challenges.

The work seeks to design new plasmonic (metal nanoparticle) catalysts and catalytic processes for the removal of volatiles such as NOx, NH₃ and VOCs. The research is highly interdisciplinary and the postholder will primarily focus on performing catalyst testing under flow conditions and using a tuneable light source to effect the reaction. Additional activities will include providing insight into the salient characteristics of the catalytic materials provided by the wider CPLAS consortium (Kings, Imperial, Bath and Cardiff). This will involve the use of lab-based characterisation methods such as (XRD, DRIFTS, Raman, XPS, Chemisorption etc) but will also make use of central facilities at the Harwell Campus (i.e. Diamond Light Source, Central Laser Facility) and beyond (i.e. European light sources such as ESRF, Hasylab, SLS etc.)

The appointment is funded by the EPSRC for up to 24 months.

The post is either a UCL grade 6b (£38,357 - £41,005) OR grade 7 (£43,124 - £51,610) post, per annum (including London Allowance of £5,125 p.a.).

Please note, appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,125) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in an area of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a discipline related to the study of catalyst performance testing using thermal or photocatalytic methods. Experience with catalytic performance testing and synthesis, a good publication track record, a demonstrated commitment to excellence, and excellent skills in the lab are required. They will be required to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

To apply please click "Apply". In your application please upload a CV, list of publications and a cover letter stating why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

• On-Site nursery

• On-site gym

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

• Discounted medical insurance

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