Research Associate

Location: South Kensington Campus

In collaboration with EPSRC, Imperial and the world’s leading Chemical Engineering Company (BASF), we are seeking a Research Associate to join the Innovative Continuous Manufacturing of Industrial Chemicals (IConIC) consortium.  The main aim of this Prosperity Partnership is to translate the UK’s scientific leadership in Flow Chemistry into industrial leadership and commercial value; to realise a step change in the implementation of continuous flow processing for the manufacture of high-value chemicals.

The global chemicals industry currently embeds ~450 MT of carbon (C) in its products (the majority from fossil feedstocks) compared to ~37 GT C emitted worldwide as CO₂. Captured CO₂ can be split into CO and O₂ using electrically-driven plasmas, which are well-suited to the intermittent availability of renewable energy (e.g. wind and solar).

This project investigates experimentally the production of high purity CO by the dissociation of CO₂ (with impurities representative of those from a capture process) in a microwave-assisted plasma, focusing on reaction engineering, process safety, and the challenging separation of O₂ from CO. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with an existing research associate, who is focusing on the development of the system as a whole at bench scale, and working towards demonstration at pilot scale. This new position will focus on reaction engineering of the plasma, and O₂ separation within or immediately downstream of it. This is an experimental role, which may include aspects of computational modelling using e.g. COMSOL Multiphysics as required.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience (essential)
• Broad knowledge of chemical engineering, including the preparation of mass and energy balances, and reaction engineering (essential)
• Experience of working with plasma-based processes in the lab (desirable but not essential). However, it is essential to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of non-thermal plasma chemistry and kinetics
• Experience in design and construction of experimental apparatus and, or the synthesis of materials for separations relevant to this project (desirable)
• Experience of working with external collaborators (desirable)

Please refer to the job description for a full list of essential and desirable requirements for this position.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Work with Industry partners and build on collaboration skills
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)
• 10 training days available

Further Information

The post is for 24 months with the possibility of an extension.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Bhavna Patel – iconic-pp@imperial.ac.uk

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please do not hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We are here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you will collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses & a global network.

Advert information