Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate (ERDF)

College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences

The above post is available from immediatley until 31 December 2022 and is part of a project involving the University of Exeter, in the Renewable Energy group within the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, which is located at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.  It is funded through the European Regional Development Fund and forms part of the European Strategic Investment Framework for Heart of the South West.

The post

The College wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor Xiaohong Li. The successful applicant will participate in research of a novel water electrolyser for hydrogen production.

The research work is part of the European Interreg 2 Seas project entitled “Electrons to high value Chemical products ” which is a R&D collaboration between eight partners across Europe. This research work is in the project’s final year. During the previous three years of project time, we have developed and identified catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, also designed and fabricated lab cells for operation of hydrogen production. The focus of research work in this post is therefore on stability test of water electrolysers for hydrogen production in high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or be nearing completion (or will be educated to first degree level for for GRA role) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to undertake research and work in collaboration with project partners to the field of study including writing up research work for publication and preparing papers and presenting information on research progress and outcomes to the project consortium and at conferences. .

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Professor Xiaohong Li, e-mail [email protected] or telephone (01326) 255769.