Research Associate in Materials Chemistry

A Research Associate position with Dr Alex Walton as main supervisor and Dr Katie Moore as second supervisor is available for 24 months.

This role is part of a larger academic project funded by bp to significantly advance the fundamental understanding of electrocatalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production. The project involves world-leading experts in electrocatalyst synthesis, characterisation and modelling from Imperial College London and The University of Manchester.

You will tackle the key unanswered questions about state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction by applying two cutting-edge characterisation techniques available at the Henry Royce Institute hub in Manchester. You will build upon the operando methodology developed at Manchester to study the electrode/electrolyte interface using Near-Ambient Pressure X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) to gain insight into the active phases of catalyst and reaction intermediates. Combined with post-mortem High-Resolution Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) we will learn about the nanoscale spatial distribution of elements within the catalyst materials and the catalyst dissolution mechanisms.

You should have, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or a related discipline, with experience of instrument/technique development or in-situ/operando measurements using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy or a related technique. You should also have experience of interdisciplinary collaboration.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI).

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education.  The Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance.  We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit.  For further information, please visit http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/          

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Alex Walton

Email: [email protected] ​​​​​​​

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.