Research Fellow in Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Salary: Competitive starting salary range from £38,784 up to £42,254 (dependent on experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered.

Mode: Full Time, Fixed Term until 31/05/2028

Our Mission

Coventry University is a global Education Group that empowers students and communities to transform their lives and society through teaching, learning, research, and enterprise.

An ambitious and innovative university, our research is designed to have real-world impact on society and tackle global challenges through our 16 challenge-led, interdisciplinary research centres. We enable high performing research teams and future research leaders to thrive and make an impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally

The Role

As Research Fellow within the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) you will undertake and play a role in the development of impactful research, contributing to the EU-funded project UPeM: Understanding existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) emissions in water electrolysers and fuel cell systems through quantitative measurement techniques, a collaboration between Coventry University and academic and industry partners across the UK, France, and Germany.

In this role you will supports research into PFAS emissions from proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolysers (PEMWEs) across three key areas:

1. Developing standardised sampling and analysis methods to measure PFAS emissions in liquid, gas, and aerosol streams and validate PFAS release during system operation. This will include sample extraction, clean-up, and pre-concentration techniques for trace organic analysis in complex matrices, as well as analysis using Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
2. Investigating the root causes of PFAS emissions in fuel cell and electrolyser technologies.
3. Testing exhaust and effluent treatment systems to capture PFAS from PEMWE and PEMFC using LC-HRMS.

You will be responsible for developing and contributing in research activities that enhance both individual and collaborative research outputs, contributing to research excellence with national and international impact. The role will involve applying innovative research methods, expanding the research portfolio through high-quality publications, and building strong internal and external networks to support knowledge exchange, future collaborations, and funding opportunities.

Qualifications Required

PhD (or equivalent) or professional experience equivalent to a PhD demonstrating an ability to carry-out independent research with a 1st Class/2.1 Degree in an appropriate subject such as chemistry, analytical chemistry, or environmental chemistry.

Our Successful Candidate

You will be an experienced Research Fellow with demonstrable knowledge, understanding, and prior experience related to Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis or Environmental Chemistry.

You will have an advanced knowledge of research methods and techniques with demonstrable adherence to all regulations, you will have the ability to develop research objectives and tasks for own and joint research.

You will be able to demonstrate expertise and experience in sample extraction, clean-up, and pre-concentration techniques for trace organic analysis in complex matrices; hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting LC-HRMS for organic contaminant analysis; Experience in development, optimisation, and validation of analytical methods for targeted trace analysis applications; Working experience on using IT packages and instrumental-associated software for data processing (e.g., Xcalibur software, Tracefinder software, etc.)

Following your research, you will be experienced to write up your research and produce excellent, high-quality publications in high profile peer reviewed journals and present at national/international events.

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