Research Fellow - AR2863NB

Research positions relating to future Energy Technologies

Prosperity Partnership Project – Characterising Electrolysis

As part of the Ensign Integrated Energy System Digital Twin UKRI funded Prosperity Partnership project with Scottish Power Energy Networks and coordinated by Strathclyde we seek to inform on the influence of Hydrogen Technologies upon the grid.

A detailed understanding of production characteristics will be developed based upon experimental observation both at cell and stack level. Reversible operation will be investigated, where fuel cell mode can be utilised to support hydrogen production systems in grid disconnected operation linking supporting the team’s efforts to understand the impacts of integrating ORE into low carbon energy systems.

A key focus for the DTs will be the impacts of green hydrogen production via electrolysis on the grid, modelling the effect of production at scale, and the associated electrical demand transients, as well as the longer-term role of hydrogen for heating and for industrial applications.  Hydrogen’s role for grid scale energy storage will be elaborated studying across operational flexibility desired for grid balancing services e.g. inertia and frequency regulation, capacity reserve, multi-time scale demand shaping extending to inter-seasonal regimes. The hydrogen DT will be integrated with the IES-DT. 

These positions are available for early start. 

Two positions are available for up to 4 years each. We anticipate experienced candidates and will consider higher level appointments for this project*.

We would expect you to have a PhD in Chemistry, Materials, Physics or Engineering. Experience relevant to some of the following is highly desirable: energy materials synthesis, electrochemistry, electrical engineering, data science, electron microscopy, materials processing and characterization.

* Appointment at grade 7 (£45,585 per annum) will be considered for candidates who are outstanding researchers in the fields of energy materials with a strong track record of leadership in facilitating the development of technological solutions to new materials and structures for clean energy, with the job description to be amended accordingly.  

Informal enquiries to Professor John Irvine, email: jtsi@st-andrews.ac.uk

All vacancy information can be viewed here: https://jtsigroup.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/vacancies/

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff/children of staff, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme and a range of wellbeing initiatives

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 9^th October 2023

Please quote ref: AR2863NB                    

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).                

Further Particulars: AR2863NB FPs.doc 

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