Research Fellow in Thermochemical and Ceramic Materials

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,580 to £45,163, with potential progression once in post to £47,874.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to April 2027

Role Summary

Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) is a cross-campus research centre with its hub in the School of Chemical Engineering. It unites researchers from various disciplines to advance both fundamental, applied and policy research in clean energy transition. For more information, visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/energystorage/

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join BCES for an industry-funded post aimed at foundation industry decarbonisation with a focus on formulation, characterisation, manufacturing, scale-up, and reliability testing of novel structured thermochemical materials for CO₂ splitting and ceramic materials for sustaining high-temperature hush ironmaking conditions. The postholder will play a key role in developing and demonstrating a new industrial decarbonisation technology – PeroCycle, based on in-process CO₂ splitting using a double perovskite BCNF.

The postholder will be responsible for the following aspects of the technology:

• BCNF Materials
• BCNF Modules
• BCNF Manufacturing
• Ceramic material research
• Interaction and Collaboration

Person Specification

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in materials formulation, characterisation, fabrication, or scale-up of manufacturing technologies related to the responsibilities.
• Good underpinning degree in relevant field of science or engineering, for example: metallurgical and materials engineering, chemical and process engineering, energy engineering or a discipline closely related to the main duties.
• Proven track record in at least three of (i) formulation, fabrication and characterisation of thermochemical materials for medium to high temperature applications; (ii) scale-up of manufacturing technologies; (iii) structured ceramic materials that are metallurgical slag-resistant; (iv) thermodynamics and reaction kinetics of solid-state inorganic materials; and (v) property enhancement of inorganic materials through e.g. doping.
• Proven track record and demonstrable proficiency in materials research related research capabilities; hands on experience in materials manufacturing.
• Understanding and experience with material characterisation techniques such as DSC, STA, XRD, XRT, SEM, XPS, MS, FTIR, etc.
• Track record of academic publications, delivery of project outcomes and outputs that are recognised within the field.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international and cross disciplinary research and development environment.
• High level analytical capability.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• 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 can be addressed to Lada Zimina at l.zimina@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: 16 March 2025

Advert information