Research Assistant/Associate in Sustainable Sludge Valorisation Technology for Closed-Loop

Research Assistant/Associate in Sustainable Sludge Valorisation Technology for Closed-Loop

Newcastle University

Newcastle, United Kingdom

The Role

We are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to develop a robust, carbon-neutral & cost-effective process to treat sludge and to recover valuable materials and clean water from it. It is a prosperity partnership, collaborative research project with a manufacturing and process development company located in Carlisle. This EPSRC funded project will be jointly conducted by the Chemical and Civil Engineering disciplines within the School of Engineering at Newcastle University.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and optimise hydrothermal carbonisation technology for sludge treatment;
• Develop and optimise models to simulate dynamic process operation and predict the variation in the system when changing input conditions;
• Design and carry out experiments on hydrothermal carbonisation to validate the developed models;
• Carry out techno-environ-economic assessments;
• Work closely and courteously with the industrial partner;
• Present research findings at project meetings, national and international conferences;
• Support the project’s adminstrative and management duties such as organising meetings, workshop planning etc.;
• Aid in the supervision of PhD and MEng research students where applicable;
• Write peer reviewed publications and reports;
• Analyse and interpret data to obtain new insights;
• Assist with the day-to-day running of the lab.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of multiphase, heat transfer, reacting flows using ANSYS-FLUENT and/or OpenFOAM;
• Experience in computer programming e.g. MATLAB/Python, Aspen-Plus;
• Experience in optimisation, including operating conditions and reactor geometry;
• Ability to write peer reviewed journals;
• Ability to drive research agenda independently;
• A high level of technical competency;
• Very good laboratory skills.

Desirable

• Evidence of originality, innovation, creativity and research track record including publications in high impact factor journals;
• Advanced knowledge in computational fluid dynamics modelling;
• Experience in high-performance computing;
• Expertise in computer programming (e.g., coding in an open-source code or writing user defined functions in commercial codes);
• Advanced knowledge in thermodynamics of reacting systems;
• Evidence of working with industry;
• Evidence of presenting research at national and international conferences.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to work in a team;
• A good level of personal organisation;
• The ability to take the initiative in pursuit of agreed objectives;
• Willingness to work flexibly (when appropriate) by mutual agreement;
• Willingness to supervise Undergraduate, Master and PhD students;
• Clear commitment to a career in research;
• Willingness to travel and visit project partners;
• Willingness to learn new skills where required.

Desirable

• Willingness to work under pressure to achieve agreed deadlines when necessary;
• Experience in disseminating research via networking events (like conferences and meetings) and social media.

Qualifications

• At least 2:2 Honour degree or equivalent (for example a Master’s degree) in chemical engineering, or related subject;
• PhD (or near to completion) in chemical engineering, environmental engineering or related subject.

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