Research Fellow in Fuel Cell and Electrolyser Technologies

The Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) is a world-leading centre of research excellence. One of the largest and most dynamic groups in the world specializing in electrochemical science and technology, our activities continue to expand with a new initiative, the Advanced Propulsion Lab (part of UCL East) and substantial research funding from UKRI and industry.

About the role Electrochemical technologies including fuel cells and electrolysers are at the forefront of the drive to a 'net-zero world', with hydrogen as an important energy storage medium and fuel for the application of sustainably derived electricity. As part of a long-standing collaboration between the Universities of Manchester, Newcastle, and UCL, this project aims to develop more efficient and robust technologies to achieve a carbon negative industrial landscape.

In particular at UCL, through the application of correlative and multi-scale characterisation tools such as X-ray computed tomography, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and more, we will develop a real-world insight into operating fuel cell and electrolyser materials under demanding conditions (e.g. temperature, pressure, applied current/voltage, etc.) to examine their durability and inform the design of novel structures.

The main technical duties include: - Advanced operational characterisation of the whole membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in systems including high temperature polymer electrode membranes and electrolyzers, to study the impact of manufacturing methods on performance - Develop a greater understanding of system durability, particularly during dynamic and start-stop operation to feedback into membrane design.

This is a fixed-term role for 34 months in the first instance.

About you The ideal candidate will have knowledge of advanced characterisation of electrochemical energy materials, particularly using in situ or operando techniques. The successful candidate will have experience working in a research environment, and experience of electrochemical testing of fuel cells or electrolysers, X-ray computed tomography, and interfacial characterisation tools e.g. atomic force microscopy, would be an advantage for this role.

You should hold (or shortly expect to obtain) a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Electrochemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline. For further information on the required duties and person specification for this role, please see the Job Description attachment on the main job posting.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

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