Research Associate Research Assistant in electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia - London

Research Associate Research Assistant in electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: £43003 - £56345 per annum pension plus benefits To find out more about the job please click the ‘apply for job’ button to be taken to Imperial job site About the role This post is based in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. The post holder will be responsible for the research and discovery of new electrocatalytic systems (besides lithium) capable of reducing nitrogen to ammonia selectively, toward improved material sustainability and energy efficiency. The candidate will be expected to have strong experience in non-aqueous electrochemistry, synthesis and characterisation of electrolyte components, and SEI characterisation, and will also be expected to collaborate closely with other researchers at Imperial and beyond. A deep understanding of the unique issues faced in electrochemical nitrogen, as well as the ones faced in beyond-Li batteries, and consequently how to tailor electrochemical interfaces is vital for this role. By combining synthesis techniques and electrolyte developments, the research team hopes to uncover the factors that make a good electrochemical nitrogen reduction catalyst beyond lithium, from its inherent energetics to interfacial behaviour. What you would be doing Develop new electrolytes for the lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction, characterise their properties (species activities, gas solubility/diffusivity) and performance in ammonia synthesis. Investigate new chemistries beyond lithium for nitrogen reduction to ammonia: synthesise new electrolytic systems based on calcium or magnesium and investigate their potential in achieving selective nitrogen reduction. Develop workflows to characterise the SEI of the above systems via quantitative chemical titration. Work well within a dynamic group of students and Research Associates. Collaborate with academic colleagues at Imperial and beyond. Present experimental findings to the immediate research group and colleagues on a regular basis. Write articles for publication and present papers/posters at national and international conferences as directed by the head of laboratory. Provide general assistance from time-to-time with other research related activities. Write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations and the web. Oversee, supervise and train, in association with the head of laboratory, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division/Department/Section Assist with the management of the laboratory. Participate in maintaining a safe, clean and healthy laboratory working environment. What we are looking for For Research Associate level, a PhD (or equivalent) in materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics or related discipline. For Research Assistant level, a first degree (or equivalent) or a Masters (or equivalent) in materials science, nanoscience, chemical engineering, chemistry or physics or related discipline. Extensive experience and knowledge of electrochemical Lithium-Mediated Nitrogen reduction Extensive experience and knowledge of SEI formation principles and electrolyte engineering Experience in using chemical titrations to probe SEI composition Experience working in a glovebox Extensive experience using a wide range of electrochemical techniques, such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry Experience in the characterisation of electrolytes (solvation structure, gas solubility, stability, …) Experience in chemical synthesis A proven publication track record, commensurate with career stage Health and Safety General knowledge of Research Governance Ability to design, perform and analyse experimental data What we can offer you The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. Grow your career: Gain access to Imperials sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes). We provide a wide-ranging benefits package that includes resources, tools and networks to promote a positive working environment. Pensions - excellent employer contributions Season Ticket loan - interest free. Childcare facilities - Early Years Education Centre Childcare vouchers - salary sacrifice scheme. Staff accommodation Our flagship sports centre and gym in South Kensington Campus Further information Candidates who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be appointed initially at Research Assistant (with a salary range of £43,003 to £46,297 For further details on the role please contact: Professor Ifan Stephens, i.stephensimperial.ac.uk Queries regarding the application process should be directed to: Darakshan Khan ( d.khanimperial.ac.uk ). If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please dont hesitate to email us at support.jobsimperial.ac.uk. Closing Date: 18 November 2024