Position Details
School of Chemical Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027
Closing date: 16th March 2025
Background
Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) is a cross-campus research centre with its hub in the School of Chemical Engineering. It unites researchers from various disciplines to advance both fundamental and applied research in clean energy conversion, storage and utilization, as well as industrial decarbonisation technologies. For more information, visit here.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join BCES for an industry-funded post aimed for the foundation industry decarbonisation with a focus on formulation, characterisation, manufacturing, scale-up, and reliability testing of novel structured thermochemical materials for CO2 splitting and ceramic materials for sustaining high-temperature hush ironmaking conditions.
The post holder will be part of a team, interact closely with industrial partners, and play a key role in developing and demonstrating a new industrial decarbonisation technology – PeroCycle, based on in-process CO2 splitting using a double perovskite made from non-critical materials of barium, calcium, niobium and iron (BCNF). PeroCycle technology targets deep decarbonisation of both blast furnace (BF) and Direct Reduction of Iron (DRI) processes.
Main Duties
The main responsibilities of the post holder will include:
1. BCNF Research - Materials: Optimisation, characterisation, and fabrication of double perovskite materials for enhanced kinetics, conversion and yield of CO2 splitting on BCNF and regeneration, and reduced costs; investigation of the effects of reaction conditions on the splitting and regeneration kinetics, particularly under BF top gas and DRI flue gas conditions.
2. BCNF Research - Modules: Design and optimisation of BCNF modules to achieve highly specific surface area for reactions, robust mechanical strength under cyclic gas switching and redox reactions at elevated temperatures, extended lifespan, and reduced manufacturing costs.
3. BCNF Research - Manufacturing: Fabrication of optimised BCNF materials and modules for pre-pilot scale experiments; development of methods for large-scale manufacturing of the optimised BCNF materials and modules.
4. Ceramic material research: Investigation of formulation of ceramic materials that are chemically and physically compatible with BF slag and gaseous composition under prevailing operation conditions; exploration of methods for fabricating such ceramic materials into structured modules.
5. Interaction and Collaboration: Interact closely with project team members, participate in the work on devices and system design, perform data analysis, and effectively communicate the findings.
Additional responsibilities include:
1. Research Dissemination: Contribute to research publications, reports, and presentations.
2. Guidance and Support: Provide support and guidance to staff and students assisting with the research.
3. Student Supervision: Supervise students at both UG and PG levels on research related to the work.
4. Research Management: Undertake management/administration tasks needed for the research.
5. Departmental Engagement: Engage in Departmental/School research-related activities.
6. Enterprise and Public Engagement: Participate in enterprise and public engagement activities.
7. Promotion of Inclusivity: Promote equality and values diversity.
Person Specification
1. Hold or be close to completing a PhD in materials formulation, characterisation, fabrication, or scale-up of manufacturing technologies.
2. Good underpinning degree in relevant field of science or engineering.
3. Proven track record in at least three of the specified areas of expertise.
4. Proven proficiency in materials research capabilities; hands-on experience in materials manufacturing.
5. Understanding and experience with material characterisation techniques.
6. Track record of academic publications and project outcomes.
7. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
8. Strong communication skills.
9. High level analytical capability.
10. Strong problem-solving skills.
11. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
12. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010.
Internal and External relationships
1. Liaising with research and support staff on research-related matters.
2. Proactively interacting with industrial collaborators and stakeholders.
3. Preparing and giving presentations at national and/or international workshops.
4. Liaising with the relevant external research community.
5. Engaging in research dissemination and knowledge transfer activities.
Informal enquiries to Lada Zimina, email: l.zimina@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength. We are committed to proactively addressing barriers experienced by some groups in our community. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
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