Research Associate in probing electrolyte effects in electrocatalysis with plasmonics

Location: White City and South Kensington Campuses

Contract: Full-time, Fixed term appointment until 24 July 2027

About the role

This post is based in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. The post holder will be responsible for probing hydrogen oxidation with surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy. This project is part of the CPLAS Programme Grant https://www.cplas.org. The candidate will probe the role of electrolyte on platinum based electrodes, using electrochemical measurements coupled to vibrational spectroscopy. They will also make tailored nanostructures using the extensive thin film preparation and characterisation methods at the Henry Royce Institute They will also be expected to collaborate closely with other researchers at Imperial and the other partner institutions (the Catalysis Hub and King’s College London)

What you would be doing

• Investigate the role of the electrolyte in controlling electrocatalytic reactions
• Develop workflows to characterise the electrode/electrolyte interface of the above systems via advacned spectroscopy tools.
• Fabricate tailored nanostructures for surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy using the thin film deposition and patterning equipment at the Royce Institute.
• Work well within a dynamic group of students and Research Associates.
• Collaborate with academic colleages at Imperial, UK Catalyis Hub and King’s College London
• Present experimental findings to the immediate research group and colleagues on a regular basis.
• Write articles for publication and present papers/posters at national and international conferences as directed by the head of laboratory.
• Provide general assistance from time-to-time with other research related activities.
• Write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations and the web.

What we are looking for

• Research Associate level, a PhD (or equivalent) in materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics or related discipline.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of probing electrolyte effects on platinum electrocatalysis
• Experience of hydrogen oxidation in non aqueous media
• Experience in using advanced spectroscopy tools to probe the electrode/electrolyte interface
• Experience working in rotating (ring) disk electrode
• Extensive experience using a wide range of electrochemical techniques, such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry
• A proven publication track record, commensurate with career stage
• Health and Safety
• General knowledge of Research Governance

What we can offer you

• We will provide you with an excellent research environment to grow as a research leader.
• We will support you in future funding proposals and applications and fully include you in any collaborations/networks.
• Opportunities for professional development, e.g. through the award-winning Early Career Researcher Institute.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

For further details about the role, please contact:

Professor Alex Porter, a.porter@imperial.ac.uk

Further guidance may be sought from Mrs Darakshan Khan (d.khan@imperial.ac.uk).

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