Research Associate (In-situ quality inspection of catalyst variations on fuel cell membranes)

Ref: A3038

Research Associate (In-situ quality inspection of catalyst variations on fuel cell membranes)

Department: Engineering

Salary: £28,331 £32,817

Closing Date:  17 July 2020

Contract: Fixed Term

You will join an exciting EPSRC H2FC SUPERGEN Hub funded interdisciplinary project, supported by Johnson Matthey as the industrial partner, to develop a terahertz sensor for quality inspection of catalyst coated fuel-cell membranes.

You will be engaged in membranes preparation, characterisation and fuel-cells analysis and test. In particular, you will take the role to perform terahertz measurements and analysis of catalysts coated fuel cell membranes for determining membrane water retention properties and conductivity. You will take a leading role to prepare and characterise membranes with and without ionmers at decreasing solvent levels supported by complementary techniques. Furthermore, you will realise fuel cells using the prepared membranes and characterise them using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and degradation testing. You will take an active role in the day-to-day supervision of students involved in the project. This research will be performed in close collaboration with Johnson Matthey.

You must have (or close to obtaining) a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Applied Physics or a closely related subject. A strong and proven experience in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells or related is essential. To support characterisation, knowledge and practical experience of terahertz measurement is also essential. Knowledge or experience in fuel cell membrane manufacturing is desirable. In addition, you should have proven ability to publish in national/international high-quality journals, be a good communicator being able to work as part of a team and in collaboration with industrial partners, with good inter-personal skills.

This is a fixed term appointment for 11 months.

Further information available from:  Dr. Hungyen Lin, h.lin2@lancaster.ac.uk or Dr Richard Dawson r.dawson@lancaster.ac.uk

The Engineering Department is committed to flexible working on an individual basis, welcomes and embraces diversity, and is committed to the Athena SWAN principles.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.