Postdoctoral Research Associate - Spectroscopy of Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis - Grade 7

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) position for research as part of the Dr Alex Neale’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship - Probing the interfaces of electrocatalytic lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction: revealing a route to sustainable, localised ammonia production.

This Fellowship aims to understand a new, electrochemical path to ammonia, the lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction (Li-NRR) and other earth-abundant metals (M-NRR). NH₃ production is a huge and critical industry, vital in supplying fertiliser materials required for global food security. However, the Haber Bosch process is extremely polluting (>2% of anthropogenic CO₂ production) and typically centralised within developed countries. As a room-temperature electrocatalytic reaction that can be powered using renewable electricity, Li/M-NRR is envisaged as a sustainable, scalable method to decentralise NH₃ synthesis, improving fertiliser equity and NH₃’s potential as a zero-carbon fuel. The broader Fellowship programme focuses on the development of operando vibrational spectroscopy and optical/electron microscopy techniques to probe the reaction interfaces of Li/M-NRR. These methods will build intricate understanding of the critical reaction mechanisms, film properties, and reaction/efficiency bottlenecks needed to improve the process.

We are looking for an individual with strong research skills in the areas of electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and synthesis to investigate the Li-NRR for ammonia synthesis. You will focus on using electrochemical and Raman spectroscopic methods to understand and improve the reaction. This includes developing electrochemical testing protocol combined with rigorous methodologies for reliably quantifying ammonia production (e.g., high-powered NMR, isotopic testing, chromatography). A key aspect will be the development of advanced operando/in situ Raman spectroelectrochemical techniques, including the design of bespoke measurement equipment, to spectroscopically track reaction mechanisms and film formation and evolution during the electrochemical measurements. This will be used to design optimised materials and conditions to better the control the reaction for efficiency, selectivity, and stability.

As part of the formation of a new laboratory and team within the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, you will be involved in shaping experimental, equipment, and lab design, as well as collaborations with national and international partners.

We are looking for a candidate who holds (or will soon hold) a PhD in Chemistry (or related areas in materials science and physical chemistry) whose main responsibilities will be:

• Using in situ/operando Raman spectroelectrochemistry to track Li-NRR for ammonia synthesis.
• Developing complementary electrochemical testing equipment/protocols for synthesising ammonia via the Li/M-NRR, and post-characterisation protocols.
• Undertaking synthesis of Shell-isolated Nanoparticles for Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS).
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting to group, project partners.
• Dissemination of research findings in academic journals and (inter)national conferences,
• Lab supervision for PhD and undergraduate project students.

For queries regarding applying online for this post, please contact Dr Alex Neale (alex.neale@liverpool.ac.uk).

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 21 December 2025 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.

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