Research Associate in Techno-economic Analysis of Solvent-electrochemical Direct Air Capture

Contract: Full Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term (12 Months)

Closing date: Midnight on 14th February 2024

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

Job Summary

We are seeking an excellent, creative, and motivated postdoctoral research associate to work with us on the CALORIE-DAC project. The candidate will independently develop rigorous techno-economic analysis of absorbent-based direct air capture technology with electrochemical sorbent regeneration.

Detailed Description

We are looking for candidates with a range of skills in the performance assessment of chemical/electrochemical based reaction systems, this may include chemical/process engineering, environmental engineering, electrochemical engineering, mathematical modelling.

Methods used include process modelling, the construction of surrogate models, e.g., via machine learning or traditional mathematical methods, uncertainty quantification, capital and operational costing and integration of the above into comprehensive techno-economic analysis.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Develop and/or apply numerical models of absorbent-based direct air capture technology with electrochemical regeneration to assess their technical performance. 
• Use global sensitivity analysis to understand the importance of the system’s design variables and use these insights to develop optimal processes. 
• Cost capital equipment and undertake techno-economic analysis. 
• Synthesise the results of above analysis methods into comprehensive evaluation this direct air capture technology, including potential for improvement versus the current state. 
• Work collaboratively with the team to achieve the above project goals and support team members in achieving theirs. 

Essential Criteria 

• PhD (or about to obtain)/ substantial professional experience in technology assessment and/or numerical modelling (Chemical, environmental or mechanical engineering or related discipline).  
• Solid background and relevant experience in techno-economic assessment of climate change mitigation technologies (CCS, CCU, biofuels, CDR). 
• Strong experience in integration of process experimental data, thermo-physical data, and modelling approaches. 
• Appropriate high-quality publication record for stage in career. Particularly writing and managing peer-reviewed papers. 
• Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative including time management, problem solving, flexibility. 
• Ability to manage research deliverables and partners contributing to those. 
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary field, where gaining knowledge of new areas and techniques is a constant requirement. 

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

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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 www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk .