Research Associate (573375)

Term: Fixed Term (18 months)

FTE: 1 (35 hours/week)

The Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE) within the Faculty of Engineering is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to carry out the experimental work for the project “REFINE: From solar energy to fuel: A holistic artificial photosynthesis platform for the production of viable solar fuels”, funded through EU Horizon (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101122323). The project aims to develop a hybrid platform system of artificial photosynthesis for the circular and sustainable production of butanol, a green platform chemical and advanced biofuel, from solar energy, water and waste CO₂. This is realised via three integrated units: Unit 1, a photovoltaic unit converting sunlight to electricity, Unit 2 - electrolyser that uses novel catalysts based on earth-abundant materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen with high efficiency and stability; and Unit 3, a bioreactor that uses bioengineered bacteria to selectively convert hydrogen and CO₂ into butanol with high productivity and tolerance. 

The postholder will be responsible for the development of the (electro)catalyst for Unit 2, the electrolyser (anode, oxygen evolution), which will convert water to hydrogen. The postholder will work closely with the principle investigator, two co-investigators and one PhD student, as well as with the relevant EU consortium members.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in electrochemistry and electrochemical measurements, materials design, preparation, and characterisation techniques, and preferably catalytic processes and measurements. You should also demonstrate a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: relevant work experience, membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities. 

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dragos Neagu, Lecturer (dragos.neagu@strath.ac.uk).

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