Research Associate Heterogeneous Catalysis and X-ray Spectroscopy

Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £34866

Job description

We invite applications for a 36-month postdoctoral research associate position in heterogeneous catalysis and X-ray spectroscopy.

The post is part of a multi-disciplinary EPSRC project, led by Dr. Simon Kondrat at Loughborough University, which aims to understand the role of alkali and alkaline earth metal (AAEM) compounds in heterogeneous catalysis through advanced operando X-ray absorption, emission and non-resonant inelastic scattering techniques.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team, including Diamond Light Source and the University of Leeds, with expertise in advanced spectroscopy, catalyst and spectroscopic simulation, and catalyst synthesis and testing. The primary objective of the project is to identify the relevant local structure of AAEMs and their influence on the electronic properties of catalysts for sustainable fuel production. This understanding will enable the rational design of new catalysts formulations, that optimise catalytic performance, using earth abundant and affordable AAEM compounds.

Building on our recent research into potassium X-ray absorption spectroscopy for energy storage and catalysis, the project aims to:

• Synthesise model and applied powder-based potassium and calcium promoted catalysts.
• Comprehensive characterisation of these catalysts using laboratory and synchrotron techniques.
• Kinetic and catalytic stability testing of these materials in water-gas shift and alcohol coupling reactions.
• Develop and construct spectroscopy cells to perform operando X-ray spectroscopic measurements under realistic catalytic reaction conditions.
• Integrate experimental findings with theoretical mechanistic studies and state-of-the-art simulation of X-ray spectra.

The position is ideally suited for an ambitious early career researcher with a strong background in X-ray spectroscopy and heterogeneous catalysis. You will be proficient in the detailed characterisation of catalysts, including XPS and XAS, and be comfortable in the safe handling of reactive species and hazardous materials. Experience in advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques (e.g. soft X-ray, X-ray Raman and/or emission techniques) and data analysis is advantageous. The successful candidate will be motivated to advance fundamental catalytic research and collaborate with a skilled team to translate fundamental understanding of AAEMs to applied application in net-zero enabling reactions and technologies with our industrial advisory team.

Subject to funding, this is a full-time 36-month position to commence on or after 1^st April 2025.

For relevant publications please see: J. Mat. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 19900-19913; ACS. Catal., 2023, 13, 6862-6872; PCCP., 2020, 22, 18976-18988.

For informal enquiries contact Dr Simon Kondrat at s.kondrat@lboro.ac.uk.

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.