Research Fellow in formulation and manufacture of thermal (cold) energy storage materials & devices

The purpose of the job is to develop new formulations of thermal (cold) storage materials particularly phase change and thermochemical materials, devices based on the materials, and associated large-scale manufacture methods. The work will involve the following:

• Theoretical predictions of thermophysical properties of cold storage materials particularly phase change and thermochemical storage materials;
• Formulation, characterisation, analysis, optimisation and manufacture of the cold energy storage materials;
• Investigation into crystallisation and supercooling behaviour of cold storage materials and development of a method to reduce the supercooling;
• Design and testing of cold storage devices based on the cold storage materials;
• Design and construction of an experimental system to measure the charge and discharge behaviour of the cold storage devices;
• Interactions with both academic and industrial collaborators in the project team, and building internal and external contacts ad networks;
• Helping with training PhD students and other group members who are working on similar areas;
• Writing journal and conference publications;
• Organising review meetings and seminars;
• Supervising student;s projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
• Assisting supervisors to train researchers and students new to the laboratories and to ensure the laboratories meet health and safety requirements.

Person Specification

• A first or 2:1 Degree in relevant science/engineering discipline and PhD or equivalent experience and qualifications in an area related to the main research responsibilities outlined above (Essential);
• A high level analytical capability with proficiency in experiments (Essential);
• A high level of knowledge in cold storage materials particularly phase change materials and /or thermochemical materials and associated physical chemistry (Essential);
• An excellent set of skills in the use of relevant analytical equipment (Essential);
• Demonstrable prior experience with track record in areas closely related to the main research responsibilities as outlined above (Essential)
• An ability to communicate complex information clearly (Essential);
• A good understanding of phase diagrams and associated theory and modelling skills (Essential);
• A ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively (Desirable)