Research Assistant in Surfactant and Corrosion Science

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Do you have a strong technical background in Surfactants and Corrosion Science and Engineering? Are you interested in working with industry to develop methodologies to better characterise/understand surfactant corrosion inhibition behaviour and mechanisms?

This project focuses on the development and implementation of novel technologies to improve the understanding of surfactant partitioning and inhibition mechanism in CO2-containing aqueous media. The study builds on successful work at the University of Leeds where we have developed methods to understand role and performance of corrosion inhibitors in suppressing both general and localised corrosion of carbon steel across a variety of demanding corrosive environments.

The aim of the study is to utilise existing methods developed over the course of previous PhD projects to provide a deeper insight into behaviour of inhibitors in multi-phase systems. Specific attention is directed towards the partitioning of inhibitors between phases, and preferential adsorption of surfactants to steel/corrosion product/mineral-electrolyte interfaces.

The project will involve the use of corrosion test cells with electrochemical measurement as well as the use of analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available. And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Richard Barker , Professor in Corrosion Science and Engineering

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2206 or email: [email protected]  

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Mechanical Engineering
Section:  Institute of Functional Surfaces
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 6
Salary:  £30,487 to £36,024 p.a.
Working Time:  37.5 hours per week
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (Up to 18 months - to complete specific time limited work)
Release Date:  Thursday 23 May 2024
Closing Date:  Sunday 16 June 2024
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  EPSME1167
Downloads:  Candidate Brief