Research Associate in Heterogenous Catalysis for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until Sept 2029

Description of the Group

This post sits within the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, contributing to a cutting-edge research project focused on nanoconfined materials for catalytic ammonia decomposition as a route to clean hydrogen production. We're a chemistry research group working across the areas of solid-state chemistry, solvothermal synthesis and heterogeneous catalysis, with the overarching goal of developing materials and processes that will help enable society’s transition to a sustainable global energy system. We have expertise in the synthesis, characterisation and understanding of novel inorganic systems, principally metal-nitrogen-hydrogen (M-N-H) materials.

Person Specification

You will support a five-month research programme spanning the synthesis and characterisation of sodium loaded porous scaffolds as graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄). the nanoconfined scaffolds will undergo testing for looping ammonia decomposition, long-term durability cycling, and hydrogen quantification. Day-to-day activities will include running synthesis and characterisation experiments, analysing and interpreting data, contributing to academic publications, presenting results at group meetings and seminars, and supporting postgraduate students with laboratory techniques.

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Postgraduate research experience or near-completion of a PhD in a relevant area. Practical experience in solid-state synthesis, materials characterisation, and heterogeneous catalysis. Strong analytical and written communication skills. Familiarity with hydrogen storage/production systems, ammonia decomposition, and experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications.

Informal enquiries can be made to {Fatima Abi Ghaida, f.abighaida@bham.ac.uk} 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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