Research Assistant/Associate in Chemical Engineering (Membranes)

Research Assistant/Associate in Chemical Engineering (Membranes)

Newcastle University

Newcastle, United Kingdom

The role

We want to work with highly-talented, ambitious scientists and engineers. You should therefore be able to demonstrate a track record (suitable for your career stage) that is based upon collaborative, thought-provoking laboratory research aligned with the Materials, Concepts and Reaction Engineering Group.

As this position will be funded by a specific research grant, you must have experience in laboratory experiments with ion-conducting ceramic membranes or molten salts, and, in addition, experience in one of the following: carbon dioxide separation processes; experimental study of gas-solid and/or gas-liquid reactions; experimental study of ion transport processes.

Your role will be to fabricate and characterise supported molten-salt membranes, which will include inorganic materials synthesis, gas sorption/permeation testing, and (typically via external collaboration) inorganic materials characterisation (diffraction, tomography, microscopy, spectroscopy, surface area and porosity analysis etc.).

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in laboratory experiments with ion-conducting ceramic membranes or molten salts, and, in addition, experience in one of the following: carbon dioxide separation processes; experimental study of gas-solid and/or gas-liquid reactions; experimental study of ion transport processes. A track record of authoring journal publications appropriate for your career stage and consistent with a high-achieving individual;
• An understanding of the research conducted by the Materials, Concepts & Reaction Engineering Group [1], and a clear explanation of how your skills and experience will complement this.

Desirable

• Experience in inorganic materials synthesis and characterisation (e.g., diffraction, tomography, microscopy, spectroscopy, surface area and porosity analysis etc.);
• Experience in supervising research students.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Communication: Evidence of an ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word, and evidence of good inter-personal skills with the ability to communicate with local and international stakeholders. (e.g., conference presentations, journal publications, a well-written cover letter and CV, working with international project partners, speaking at public or industry engagement events etc.);
• Organisational: Evidence of an ability to prioritise, plan, and execute tasks within a larger project. Demonstrated ability with time management, organisation, and balancing competing objectives. (e.g., previous experience of working in collaborative research teams/consortia, taking responsibility to outline (some of) the goals of your PhD, evidence of delivering complex projects on schedule, examples of overcoming barriers to progress etc.);
• Teamwork: Demonstrable experience of working in a collaborative manner with team colleagues at all levels, as part of a diverse, inter-disciplinary team. An understanding of, and commitment to, embedding the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work. A willingness to supervise research students (e.g., previous experience of working in an inter-disciplinary research group or project, evidence of teamwork leading to research outputs such as collaborative journal publications, a demonstrated understanding of ED&I principles or activities leading to improved workplace culture etc.);
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to work independently under leadership, taking responsibility for making decisions within the remit of the role and their outcomes. Demonstrated willingness to travel locally and internationally, and a readiness to work flexibly by mutual agreement (e.g., authorship of research articles, experience in roles with devolved responsibility, pride in past achievements, previous experience of travelling to meet the deliverables of a project etc.).

Qualifications

• PhD awarded (Associate) or nearing completion (Assistant) or equivalent in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related subject;
• Minimum 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a closely related subject.

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