Research Fellow in Green Hydrogen

Job title:

Research Fellow in Green Hydrogen

Company

University of Surrey

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the Energy and Materials research group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The position is funded by an Innovate-UK Investor Partnership scheme. It will be conducted in close collaboration with the University Spinout company Clean Hydrogen Ltd., at Surrey Technology Centre and its laboratories in Guildford. The team requires a dedicated postgraduate researcher to develop a robust redox pair for efficient hydrogen production based on an innovative thermochemical-electrochemical looping process developed at the University of Surrey. The project involves designing a lab-scale hybrid thermochemical water-splitting rig, including an efficient thermochemical reactor integrated with a modified alkaline electrolyser to study its water-splitting performance and energy efficiency for green hydrogen generation using the synthesised redox pairs.The Energy and Materials team at the University of Surrey has a strong background in the synthesis, optimisation and application of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage. The research group has specific interests in synthesising, characterising and fabricating small-scale electrochemical devices to develop novel and highly efficient water electrolysers and hydrogen fuel cells. Green hydrogen production, energy materials, and multiscale materials modelling with experimental approaches for use in a variety of sustainable electrochemical technologies (fuel cells, electrolysers, CO2 reduction), reverse electrodialysis and metal-air batteries) are the other aspects of the research activities at the Energy and Materials group at the CPE.The Research Fellow will be tasked with, * Design and develop a thermoselectrochemical looping system for efficient water-splitting, including design, testing a 1 kWh hybrid alkaline water electrolyser and its integrated thermochemical hydrolysis reactor with completing all EIS, polarisation and performance measurements to identify the figures of merit for the overall water splitting process and the energy efficiency of the redox pairs;

• Synthesis and physicochemically characterise highly efficient redox pairs and functional metal oxide composites with multiple oxidation states and test their performance and efficiency for water splitting in a reactive electrolysis looping rig (the characteristic analysis includes, but is not limited to, energy conversion efficiency measurement, water-splitting efficiency, reaction kinetics study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS analysis), electrochemical cell performance measurement, etc.);
• Lab management activities with an in-depth knowledge of running laboratory instruments and characterisation equipment independently. Be fully engaged with all consortium activities as required by the grant conditions and consortium agreement. This will involve collaborating with teams of researchers from diverse backgrounds (Clean Hydrogen Ltd, University of Surrey, and Fluor Ltd) for scientific exchanges and attending regular project meetings and outreach within the UK and national/international conferences;
• Assist in the production of intellectual property and/or high-impact papers for the benefit of both team members and the University of Surrey; and
• Assist with the supervision of students in the group (postgraduate, undergraduate, and overseas visitors) and teaching activities at the University of Surrey.

The postdoctoral research fellow will work mainly at Surrey Research Park (0.9 of FTE) and the balance at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Surrey University (the Stag Hill campus). The project also needs close collaboration with the other relevant consortium members and collaborators to develop the technical datasheets for commercialising the hybrid water-splitting process through a combined theoretical and experimental approach.This position is available for a duration of 18 months.About youCandidates must hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD or EngD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, or the other relevant major degrees (e.g., Industrial Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Fuel Cells, Electrolysers, Batteries, etc.).Candidates must also have prior experience designing and testing alkaline water electrolysers, electrowinning metal-recovery electrolysers, and/or redox looping systems.They also need independent laboratory skills, characterisation equipment services, and in-depth knowledge of electrochemistry and water electrolysers.What we can offerIn addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.How to applyCandidates should apply online, carefully answer all the application form questions, and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes, and the relevant publications to date). As part of the application, the applicant should also upload two letters of recommendation to the supporting documents.Prospective applicants can contact Dr Bahman Horri ( ) if they need any specific further information on the post.The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. We therefore particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.Further details

Expected salary

£36924 – 45163 per year

Location

Guildford, Surrey

Job date

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:12:24 GMT

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