Description Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585) / Grade 8 (£45,585-£56,021) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months) Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University About our Team The Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) is an international, leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to achieve decarbonisation and meet net zero targets. Research is cross-disciplinary bringing together engineers and scientists. RCCS collaborates and is supported by industries, international energy policy advisors, government organisations, regional development agencies, national and international universities and research centres. RCCS has extensive state-of-the-art laboratory facilities covering the whole carbon solutions. RCCS has over 50 members (staff and PhD students). The team’s research portfolio includes funding from UKRI, EU H2020, EU-ERC and industries. A growing area for RCCS is greenhouse gas removal/carbon dioxide removal, where several team members are collaborating on a wide range of national and international projects. For more details rccs.hw.ac.uk Detailed Description We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic person to work with us to complement our work on geochemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Durable CDR using rocks and minerals is recognised as an important part of meeting climate targets, but the merits and drawbacks of many approaches remain poorly understood. This project will assess realistic deployment scenarios for ocean-based CDR. The successful applicant could use one or multiple lenses on which to make this assessment including i) techno-economic analysis (TEA) ii) life cycle assessment (LCA), iii) climate modelling, iv) resource and inventory development, v) national-based assessments, vi) regulation and/or policy development, vii) environmental impact assessment. By the end of this project, the post holder will have completed ground-breaking research on assessing the potential of ocean-based CDR. The successful applicant must hold a PhD, and higher grade appointments will have had substantial research experience. There are also opportunities to participate in our other projects in CO2 capture, utilisation and storage, and carbon dioxide removal (https://rccs.hw.ac.uk). The posts are available from 1st of November 2024 and will run for 24 months (interviews are likely to be end of September). Extensions may be possible. Key Duties and Responsibilities The post holders are required to: Lead their own work with support from the geochemical CDR team. Explore realistic deployment scenarios for the deployment of ocean-alkalinity enhancement (OAE) through one or multiple lenses including i) integrative assessment modelling (IAM), ii) TEA, iii) LCA, iv) climate modelling, v) resource and inventory development, vi) national-based assessments. Engage with the CDR commercial and policy ecosystem Work collaboratively with the team to synthesise the results of the above work Work collaboratively with the team to achieve the project goals, namely: assess the feasibility of ocean-based CDR Conduct individual and collaborative research work, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications. Write research reports and publications. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas bases on outcomes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds. Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research. We have a strong, award-winning team that explores geochemical carbon dioxide removal, we are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of this team. The post-holder will also contribute to group/lab management where experience allows. The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators. Education, Qualifications and Experience Essential Criteria A PhD in a subject cognisant to the type of research to be undertaken. Evidence of ability to work independently. Formulate and progress work on their own initiative including time management, problem solving, flexibility. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. Ability to manage research deliverables and partners contributing to those. Working in an interdisciplinary field, where gaining knowledge of new areas and techniques is a constant requirement. Must be able to work as part of a team at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities. Excellent communication and presentation skills, and ability to communicate complex information clearly. Desirable Criteria Experience with geochemical CDR. Research group or lab management. Experience of research-student or undergraduate project supervision. Experience of working in Higher Education, or similar environment. Travel This project will be based at the Edinburgh Campus of Heriot-Watt University/ but remote working will also be considered, but some travel may be required (e.g., project meetings and workshops with project partners, or to attend conferences). How to Apply Please must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing you interest and suitability for the post; (2) CV Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday 13th September 2024. Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof. Phil Renforth (p.renforthhw.ac.uk) (please cc Foteinis, Spyros S.Foteinishw.ac.uk and Campbell, James James.Campbellhw.ac.uk ). In the supporting statement for the role, please outline what approach you might take to explore the feasibility of OAE. At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.