Research Associate / Fellow (Fixed term)

Reference

ENG175922

Closing Date

Sunday, 22nd May 2022

Job Type

Research

Department

Engineering

Salary

£27924 to £40927 per annum (pro rata if applicable), depending on skills and experience (minimum £31406 with relevant PhD).

Evaluating the life cycle environmental and economic impact of implications of heavy-duty transport

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Associate/Fellow position in evaluation of low carbon solutions for heavy duty transport.

Decarbonisation of transport represents one of the most pressing current research challenges with significant uncertainty around how best to power future heavy-duty transport. Battery electric power is predicted to become the dominate mode of propulsion for future passenger cars. However, for long haul heavy-duty transport, challenges remain around practical range, payload and total cost, with no current single economically viable decarbonised solution. The Sustainable Heavy Duty Truck, Marine and Rail Transport (SMaRT) project will assess a range of possible low carbon fuels including hydrogen and battery electric, with a particular emphasis on ammonia.

This position will develop a technology-neutral framework for assessing the environmental, resource, and financial implications of alternative heavy-duty powertrain options. The work will build on established methodologies and tools for assessment of fuel and vehicle cycles, establishing common parameters to enable a balanced comparison of options for road, marine and rail applications. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, integrating within the framework the outcomes of technical research work in green ammonia and hydrogen production; combustion of alternative fuels; and evaluating electricity network impacts of electric vehicles and electricity-derived fuels. 

You will hold, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant subject area, with significant expertise in the development of life cycle assessment and/or techno-economic methods and their application to energy systems. Essential skills that you possess include effective collaborative working in a multi-disciplinary environment; creative thinking and problem solving; and the ability to clearly communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. 

This full-time position (36.25 hours) is offered on a one-year fixed term contract, provided you are in post by 1st October 2022. Arrangements for job share would be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Jon McKechnie, email [email protected] Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependants accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see the our webpage on Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge .