Research Associate in green electrosynthesis

Location:

White City Campus, with occasional travel to South Kensington Campus to use central facilities in the Department of Materials and to engage with the Grantham Institute.

About the role:

The Sustainable Electrochemistry Group is seeking a Research Associate in electrosynthesis of value-added chemicals, to be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). You will use a combination of electrochemical, X-ray and infrared spectroscopy techniques to understand the fundamental bottlenecks in the activity and selectivity of catalysts for the electro-oxidation of propene to high value chemicals such as propylene glycol and acrylic acid. In addition to being an important feedstock that can yield high value products, propene also serves as a model molecule to more broadly understand electrosynthesis of organic molecules, since it has both a vinyl carbon and an allyl carbon.

You will work as part of a team that uses operando spectroscopic approaches to accelerate catalyst discovery for a range of applications, including electrochemical water oxidation, hydrogen evolution and biomass oxidation. You will also collaborate with the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment via research meetings, policy discussions and engaging in opportunities for cleantech innovations that may result from this project.

What you would be doing:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing an electrochemical testing system and benchmark the performance of state-of-the-art catalysts for propene electro oxidation
• Fabricate thin films/nanoparticle alloys and test their performance
• Use operando X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopy to discern the mechanism, and identify key rate limiting steps
• Participate in on-going research projects in the area of biomass oxidation to value-added products
• You will have the opportunity to disseminate the work in conferences and journal publications

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline
• Experience of electrochemical characterisation techniques
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Practical experience in applying spectroscopic techniques (X-ray absorption/infrared absorption spectroscopy) to electrochemical systems

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• The opportunity to use state-of-the-art facilities at the Royce Institute and Department of Materials to unravel complex catalytic mechanisms.
• The opportunity to collaborate with internationally reputed research groups and industrial partners in the sector
• The Grantham Institute can offer media exposure, engagement training, links with the policy community, and interaction with a very interdisciplinary team focused on finding solutions to mitigate and/or adapt to climate change.
• The opportunity to engage with the Electrochemistry Network, an Imperial College Network of Excellent which brings together researchers across departments who are passionate about using electrochemistry to solve global challenges
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Dr. Reshma R Rao – reshma.rao@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information