Fixed Term Research Fellow in Solid Oxide Steam Electrolysis (12 months)

Job Summary

Innovative, inclusive and professionally-focused, Robert Gordon University (RGU) has developed its strategy and principles to focus on the significant strengths, often unique in the UK, that underpin our demand-led, transformational teaching, learning and research. 

Applications are invited for an exciting Research Fellow position under the supervision of Professor Nadimul Faisal, Professor Mamdud Hossain, and Dr Anil Prathuru in the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, UK.

The Research Fellow (Post Doctoral Research Associate) will join a dynamic research team as part of METASIS 2.0, a new collaborative EPSRC-funded project between Robert Gordon University, the University of Surrey, Aston University, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL). The project aims to advance solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOSE) technology for clean hydrogen production, leveraging high-temperature nuclear or renewable heat as a sustainable energy source.

You will contribute to the design, fabrication, and characterisation of tubular solid oxide electrolysis cells and stack, and to the development of advanced materials and modelling approaches that enhance efficiency, thermal stability, and structural integrity at high operating temperatures. Working closely with academic and project partners, you will perform both experimental and computational investigations to improve the performance and scalability of SOSE systems.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in mechanical, materials, chemical, or manufacturing engineering, or a closely related discipline. You should have:

• Proven experience in solid oxide electrochemical systems (SOEC/SOFC), including cell fabrication, testing, or modelling.
• Demonstrated skills in materials characterisation (SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC) and electrochemical analysis (EIS, I-V).
• Experience or aptitude in Multiphysics simulations (e.g. ANSYS, SOLIDWORKS).
• Understanding of research governance, safety, and HSE procedures related to hydrogen and high-temperature operations.

Experience includes manufacturing of ceramic or metallic components, system-level integration of SOSE technology, numerical model development, or operando/in-situ diagnostics during electrolysis. Evidence of a strong publication record, interdisciplinary collaboration, and independent research initiative will be advantageous.

You should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline such as mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering, or chemical engineering.

The position is based at RGU’s Sir Ian Wood Building, Garthdee Campus, Aberdeen, with occasional travel to partner institutions or project partners. The post offers excellent opportunities for career development, including student supervision, teaching support, and dissemination of research at UK and international conferences.

This is a fixed-term appointment for 12 months, commencing as soon as possible. A part-time appointment may also be considered (starting as soon possible until 30 Sept 2027).

For further information or an informal discussion about the position, please contact Professor Nadimul Faisal at N.H.Faisal@rgu.ac.uk

Employment is conditional on candidates, if deemed necessary, passing a pre-employment medical and undertaking ongoing health surveillance throughout the course of their employment.  This is required in order to support our duty of care under health and safety statute and to ensure that the candidates are able to carry out the functions required by the role.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.  Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.