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Research Fellow in Solid Oxide Electrolyser for Hydrogen Production

Employer
UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
Location
Surrey, United Kingdom
Salary
£33,309 to £40,927 per annum
Closing date
1 Jul 2022

Chemical & Process Engineering

Location: Guildford
Salary: £33,309 to £40,927 per annum
Fixed Term
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 01 July 2022
Reference: 037722

We cordially invite applicants with interest in Sustainable Energy and Materials for a Research Fellow position at the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE). The position is funded by an EPSRC grant (under the zero carbon hydrogen research call: EP/W033178/1: Scalable metamaterial thermally sprayed catalyst coatings for nuclear reactor high temperature solid oxide steam electrolysis (METASIS). The project will be co-led by Dr Qiong Cai and Dr Bahman Horri in collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU). The project involves the development of a robust high-temperature solid oxide steam electrolyser for efficient hydrogen production through an innovative metasurface catalyst and cell design approach with the advanced aspects of thermal spray coating and screen printing/spin coating routes.

The Sustainable Energy and Materials team at the University of Surrey has a strong background in the synthesis, optimisation and application of advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage applications including highly efficient water electrolysers and hydrogen fuel cells, rechargeable batteries, catalysis, and CO2 reduction. The candidate will be integrated in a vibrant  research environment with over 10 academics and 30 PhD students working on diverse research topics of sustainable energy and materials.

The Research Fellow will be tasked with:

  1. Synthesise, characterise, and testing active nanocomposite for fabrication of solid oxide electrolysis cells;
  2. Cell fabrication through the application of advanced thin layer coating routes (like thermal spray coating, screen printing, spin coating, etc.) for the fabrication and characterisation of the electrolysis cell individual layers;
  3. electrochemical performance analysis, impedance measurements, and optimisation of the fabricated cell for efficient hydrogen production by high-temperature steam electrolysis; and
  4. Assist in publishing high-quality journal papers and/or intellectual property to maximise the impact of the research group/project and contributing to the supervision of students in the research group (postgraduate, undergraduate, and overseas visitors).

The postdoctoral research fellow will collaborate with the team at RGU to develop a combined theoretical and experimental understanding of thermal spray coating and screen printing/spin coating routes on the performance of solid oxide steam electrolysis.

This position is initially for a duration of up to 12 months. The preferred start date would be on the as soon as possible but could be discussed to suit the candidate's needs.

Candidates must hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering Science or the other relevant major degrees. Prior experience in fabrication and testing steam electrolysers and material synthesis and characterisation for solid oxide electrolysers are essential. Candidates should apply online, carefully answer all the application form questions, and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes and the relevant publications to date). As part of the application, the applicant should also upload two letters of recommendation as the supporting documents.

Prospective applicants can contact Dr Qiong Cai (Q.Cai@surrey.ac.uk) or Dr Bahman Horri (b.aminihorri@surrey.ac.uk ) if they need any specific further information on the post.

Please upload your CV and a Covering Letter with your application.

Further details: Job Description

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£32,344) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate. Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£33,309).

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