Research Assistant/Associate

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

The Role

To work with Dr Elizabeth Heidrich, Dr Toby Wood, Dr Richard Law and Dr Chris O'Malley on the EPSRC-funded project "METzero - Bringing the water sector towards Net-Zero using Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs)". The goal of this project is to unlock the resource potential of wastewater by developing microbial electrochemical technologies capable of treating wastewater whilst recovering resource. It will combine pilot scale research in reactor design and optimisation, electronics engineering, and mathematical modelling.

We are looking for an excellent and enthusiastic Research Associate/ Assistant to conduct rigorous experiments on pilot scale microbial electrolysis cells on site at a wastewater treatment plant, with supporting research also carried out in our laboratories. The successful applicant will design and execute research into the operation and design on these units in order to optimise their performance for wastewater treatment and energy recovery.

You will have a PhD in Chemical, Electrical or Environmental Engineering or related field with experience in running biological reactors and ideally microbial fuel cells or electrolysis cells. Experience of large-scale systems would be of benefit. Candidates should have excellent experimental, laboratory, analytical and writing skills.

You must be able to work in a systematic and rigorous way and be capable of managing day-to-day elements of the research. You will draft well-reasoned and rigorous manuscripts and present your work to others. As much work will be carried out on site not at the university, a driving licence is essential.

For informal enquiries please contact Elizabeth.Heidrich@ncl.ac.uk

Key Accountabilities
* Conducting research using pilot scale microbial electrochemical reactors
* Participation in the research activities of the Environmental Engineering group at Newcastle University
* Publication of high-quality research papers in journals of international standing
* Presentation of results at external meetings and seminars
* Minor involvement in the teaching activities of the School, as mutually agreed
* Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post

The Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Strong background in microbial electrochemical technologies
* Track record of high-quality research, including publication in journals of international standing
* Excellent wet laboratory skills
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, evidenced through contribution to national or international conferences
* At least one peer-reviewed publication in a relevant research field

Desirable
* Experience of microbiological techniques
* Experience of pilot scale work and/or working within and industrial site
* Experience of reactor optimisation and design

Attributes and Behaviour
* Ability to communicate scientific results to a broad or non-specialist audience
* Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet deadlines
* Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects
* Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive
* Commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work
* Full UK driving licence

Desirable
* An interest in or experience of working with industrial stakeholders
* Experience of working in a trans-disciplinary project

Qualifications
A PhD (Or close to completion) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related subject

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