Position Details
School of 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: 17th March 2025
UK travel may be required for this role.
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, covering novel materials, devices and systems, alongside multiscale modelling, process scale-up, and manufacturing technologies and policy analysis. For more information, visit here.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join BCES on an industry-funded position that is aimed at foundation industry decarbonisation with the focus on novel processes for deep decarbonisation of blast furnace (BF) and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes.
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 and DRI processes.
Main Duties
The main responsibilities of the post holder will include:
1. Process design, simulation and optimisation for pre-pilot and pilot-scale plants based on the novel PeroCycle technology for integration with BF and DRI processes, considering the state-of-the-art of BF and DRI technologies and their future developments. This will require developing deep understanding of the changes to the current BF and DRI processes due to the integration of the PeroCycle technology, particularly in relation to any ancillary equipment and units that can be used with or without modification, any such units that would become redundant, and any implications for both up-stream and down-stream of BF & DRI processes, considering scenarios of (A): BF – use of PeroCycle technology to replace pulverized coal injection (PCI), partial replacement of coke, and full replacement of coke; and (B): DRI –use of different feedstocks including one or more of natural gas, coal and hydrogen.
2. Supply chain investigation and selection of key components based on the above designs, including thermochemical reactors, gas phase separators, heat exchangers, thermal storage units, and electrical heating devices etc; estimation of the costs for the designs and lead time.
3. Pre-pilot-scale PeroCycle test system design, optimisation, and construction based on the above design and supply chain investigation, including control and operation strategies and procedures.
4. Experimental testing of the pre-pilot scale system under simulated BF top gas and DRI outlet gas conditions; investigating the effects of temperature, pressure, gas compositions, and the form of BCNF in the thermochemical reactors; collecting, analysing and interpreting the data; using the data for further process design refinement, and providing guidance for scaling up to pilot and pre-commercial PeroCycle plant design.
5. Close interaction and collaboration with project team members, including but not limited to those working on materials, techno-economic analysis, and device design, to ensure smooth information and materials flows; when needed, interacting with industrial partners to effectively and efficiently communicate the findings.
Additional responsibilities include:
1. Research Dissemination: Contribute to research publications, reports, and presentations to share findings with the scientific community and stakeholders, subject to IP protection.
2. Guidance and Support: Provide support and guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
3. Student Supervision: Supervise students at both UG and PG levels on research related to the work and discipline.
4. Research Management: Undertake management/administration tasks needed for the research.
5. Departmental Engagement: Engage in Departmental/School research-related activities and administration.
6. Enterprise and Public Engagement: Participate in enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities beneficial to the College and the University, typically under the supervision of a project leader.
7. Promotion of Inclusivity: Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
1. Hold or be close to completing a PhD in metallurgical engineering, or chemical and process engineering; or a good master’s or bachelor’s degree with significant engineering and practical experience in ironmaking and steelmaking, or chemical and process engineering.
2. Demonstrable track record in process design and development, particularly within the ironmaking and steelmaking industry or related process industry; good understanding of the supply chain.
3. Proven record and demonstrable proficiency in the use of process design and modelling tools (e.g. AspenPlus, MATLab), process equipment and system operation, and other relevant experimental capabilities.
4. Good understanding or experience in relevant fields of science and engineering, such as energy engineering, materials engineering, or a discipline closely related to the main duties.
5. Track record of academic publications, and/or successful delivery of projects in similar areas.
6. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
7. Strong communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international and cross-disciplinary research and development environment.
8. High level analytical capability with strong problem-solving skills.
9. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
10. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
11. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Internal and External relationships
1. Liaising with research staff and support staff on research-related matters.
2. Proactively interacting with industrial collaborators and stakeholders.
3. Proactively engaging with potential external collaborators on the research.
4. Preparing and giving presentations and/or contribute to presentations at national and/or international workshops, seminars, and conferences.
5. Liaising with the relevant external research community via seminars and conferences.
6. Proactively engaging in research dissemination, knowledge transfer, and potential commercial exploitation 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 that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. 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. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
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