Research Assistant / Associate in Anion Exchange Membrane Development for Electrolysers

We are seeking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic PDRA with expertise in organic synthesis to design and prepare polymers with high alkaline stability, good hydroxide conductivity and mechanical integrity for use as membranes in water electrolysers for hydrogen production. The successful applicant will be part of friendly, supportive, and multidisciplinary team driven to develop energy solutions to improve sustainability and minimise climate change. The focus of the role is on designing and synthesising suitable model monomers and assessing their stability under alkaline conditions to develop motif-stability relationship and identify potential monomers for the preparation of co-polymers. Polymerisation techniques will be chosen based on the nature of the target backbone and the synthetic accessibility of the monomer and the properties of the polymer relevant to their use as membranes will be investigated. The candidate will work closely with partners of academics and industry across the consortium who are working on other components to deliver cost effective and efficient electrolyser technology. Newcastle University is a world class research-intensive university. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success. The project is close collaboration between school of Engineering and school of natural science at Newcastle University. Electrochemical Engineering group at School of Engineering is recognised as world leading with expertise focusing on electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Prof. Mohamed Mamlouk has long track record and international standing in hydrogen research. Dr Simon Doherty is a senior lecturer in Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis with strong experience in polymer synthesis and functionalisation. You will be part of multidisciplinary international team across USA, Australia, Canada and UK tackling hydrogen production challenges with several research visits and stays at partners institutes and access to state-of-the-art facilities. You will be working with additional PDRAs at Newcastle on other AEM electrolysis projects.,

• Design, synthesis and characterisation of model monomers, investigating stability profiles in alkaline solution and undertaking computational studies to support the results of stability tests
• Synthesis and characterisation of suitable monomers, based on the most promising and stable motif as well as the method of polymerization
• Preparation of co-polymers and characterisation to confirm chemical structure/composition, stability, ion conductivity and properties required for use as membranes in electrolysers
• Work closely and collaborate with other researchers on the project within the group and in the international consortium to support production of membrane films from synthesised polymers, carrying out joint tests, share information and data to obtain, tune, optimise and validate the parameters of the produced monomers and polymers for improved electrolyser performance and stability
• Work closely and collaborate with other researchers on the project within the group and in the international consortium to ensure computability of produced polymers with electrode and catalyst development, carry out joint tests, share information and data to obtain, tune, optimise and validate the parameters of the produced membranes and ionomers for improved electrolyser performance and stability
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Support PhD and Master students during their research projects. Supervise and provide advice to junior staff and researchers on laboratory practice and safety
• Manage the local laboratory environment, monitor and enforce laboratory safety procedure and regulations
• Produce regular reports and presentations on progress to the research project academic supervisors
• Interact efficiently with technical staff in workshops and laboratories. Liaise with technical staff in on-campus and off-campus analytical facilities
• Interacting with academic members and industrial members of the project partners, providing suitable paper, electronic and oral reporting
  
  Experience in organic synthesis, the use of inert atmosphere techniques and characterisation methods
• Experience in organic synthesis catalysis, analytical methods, and kinetics to undertake synthesis, polymerisations, and stability studies
• Knowledge of polymerisation methods to inform the synthesis of monomers
• Physical-chemical characterisation techniques to determine chemical stability, ion conductivity and mechanical stability of the polymers and determine their suitability for use as membranes
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information (verbally and written) with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Ability to design and prepare professional reports and present findings to industrial and academic project partners at conferences and project meetings and write high quality scientific publications
• Ability and experience of supervision of junior staff, postgraduate and undergraduate research projects
• Willingness to travel abroad for short research visits at international project partners
Desirable
• Experience in computational chemistry
• Experience with anion exchange membranes
• Experience in anion exchange water electrolysers
• Experience in electrochemical devices fabrication and testing
Attributes and Behaviour
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Professional approach with a demonstrable commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the general public and external stakeholders and the ability to interact with people from different disciplines
• Good project organizational skills and the ability to work to strict deadlines
• Monitor and, where appropriate, manage research resources (e.g. time, materials, finance, laboratory space, equipment) effectively
• Ability to work in a diverse team but also independently. Contributing to the development of effective and mutually supportive working relationships and practices
• Play a major part in the dissemination of individual or team based research outputs
• Ensure intellectual rigour and adherence to ethical standards in the research for which they are responsible
• Assist colleagues in interpretation of their data, to manage competing priorities, and to develop their research skills
• Ensure that knowledge and methodological/technical skills in their own, and related, areas of scholarship are extended and inform research activities, PhD awarded or near completion (within 3 months max) in organic chemistry, chemical science, chemical engineering, polymer science and engineering, materials science or a closely related disciplines
  
  Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you., Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.