Research Fellow, Energy Technology Group

Location: Highfield Campus

Salary:  £29,301 to £36,001 per annum

Full Time Fixed Term (for 1 year)

Closing Date:  Wednesday 24 May 2017

Interview Date:  To be confirmed

Reference: 864517BX

The Faculty of Engineering and the Environment have an exciting opportunity in one of the most dynamic centres for engineering and environmental research and education. 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to work at the Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Southampton to investigate the recovery, purification and storage of hydrogen from chlor-alkali plants.

You will develop and contribute to new areas of research that will benefit society and advance towards the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Current strategic areas include focusing on the development of low cost catalysts for the oxidation of hydrogen gas and reduction of protons and the development of catalyst coated three-dimensional electrodes that can be adapted into electrolytic flow cells. The electrodes should be mechanically strong to support high differential pressures between the cathodic and anodic compartments as well as resistant to hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion. This project is conducted in partnership with PV3 technologies Ltd and is funded by the Technology Strategy Board Newton Fund – UK-Mexico Collaborative Industrial R&D; Programme 2015. The project includes close collaboration with two Mexican partners; CIDETEQ and Chlor alkali SA de CV.

To be successful you will have a solid knowledge of applied electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, electrochemical techniques, nanomaterials, corrosion, materials sciences and solid experience in characterisation of electrochemical flow reactors. Experimental backgrounds are sought but industrial experience and project management skills would also be welcome.

To be successful you will need to hold a PhD in electrochemical engineering or applied electrochemistry or near completition*. You should have the ability to plan and carry out experimental research on complex electrochemical systems and be able to supervise junior researchers. Experience with manufacture of components of electrochemical flow cells is preferred, for example redox flow batteries. You will also need good communication and networking skills and we expect you to have previous involvement with funding applications and organisation of academic meetings; for example postgraduate conferences. Memberships to relevant professional bodies are welcomed.

The University

The University of Southampton is an institution in the top one per cent of world universities** and one of the UK’s top 15 research-intensive universities. We have an international reputation for research, teaching and enterprise. 

You will join a leading Engineering Faculty with an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad.

The Faculty offers exceptional research facilities in the areas of fluids, structures and their interactions, including a new world-class fluid dynamics facilities complex in the Boldrewood Engineering Campus, complete with a 138m towing tank. Our research is also supported by advanced facilities for the manufacture and characterisation of prototypes and materials, including state of the art workshops and an X-ray computer tomography and imaging centre.

Our Faculty is committed to the internationalisation of science and technology as well as to opportunity equality. In September 2013 and April 2016, an Athena SWAN Bronze award was received in recognition of our continued efforts to improve equality for women.

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. 

Informal enquiries should be directed to Carlos Ponce de Leon, telephone: 023 8059 8931, capla@soton.ac.uk or Andy Cruden, telephone 02380 7660, A.J.Cruden@soton.ac.uk 

Application procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Georgie Warren (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 7749. Please quote reference 864517BX on all correspondence.