Research Fellow (103338-0122)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
School of Engineering
Sub Department
Mechanical and Process Stream
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Full time, fixed-term position for 24 months.
The School of Engineering wishes to appoint a Research Fellow to undertake research on atmospheric pressure plasma jet reactor development for chemical conversion for small molecules (CH4, CO2) using non-thermal plasma. Chemical processing of non-reactive molecules using a plasma jet with high speed flow is one of the most promising methods for synthesizing new chemicals and fuels. A special attention will be devoted to the nozzle design to optimise plasma-flow interaction. The energy efficiency of pulsed plasma operation will be compared with AC plasma operation. The best operational protocol will be identified.
You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (Chemical or Electrical Engineering). You will be able to demonstrate a proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in non-thermal plasma processing, along with a working knowledge of experimental equipment for non-thermal plasma processing and analytical spectroscopy such as IR, OES.
You will have a developing research profile with the ability to publish high quality research output. You will be able to contribute to the development of funding proposals. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management and IT skills including demonstrable ability to use IT to write technical research papers.
This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious chemical engineer, electrical engineer or physical chemist or to perform cutting edge research within the framework of an ERC Synergy project SCOPE.
The project is a joint project with Eindhoven University of Technology (SCOPE project partner) and therefore some travel between the Netherlands and the UK may be required.
The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.
Applications from candidates in groups under-represented in the Engineering sector are particularly welcome.
Interview date: TBC.
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Undertake research in order to support the work of the School and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Assist the Principal Investigator and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Help establish a sound research base within the department in order to assist the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
2. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects. Plan own day-to-day activity within framework of the agreed research program.
3. Write up research work for publication.
4. Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
5. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress
6. May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies.
7. May present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
8. May contribute to the preparation of papers for steering groups and other bodies.
9. Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
10. Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
11. Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
12. May be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
13. May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
14. Work within budget constraints. Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
15. To contribute to School of Engineering committees and administrative duties and tasks.
16. To ensure compliance with Health and Safety, and other University regulations and good working practices in all aspects of work, including the undertaking of risk assessments.
Duties and responsibilities outlined above are not intended to be an exhaustive list, but provide guidance on the main aspects of the post. The post holder will be required to be flexible in their duties and to carry out any other duties as directed by the line manager.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Good honours degree (2.1 minimum) or equivalent in a relevant subject. (a)
Essential Criteria 2
A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related subject. (a)
Essential Criteria 3
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in non-thermal plasma processing. (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 4
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 5
Working knowledge of experimental equipment for non-thermal plasma processing (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 6
Working knowledge of analytical spectroscopy such as IR, OES (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 7
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with experience of working independently and as part of a team. (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 8
Able to evidence strong time management and organisational skills (a,c)
Essential Criteria 9
Excellent standard of spoken and written English with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 10
Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, including those external to the University, to promote and contribute towards a collegial environment. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 11
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and proven ability to use IT to write technical research papers and presentations. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 12
Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content and a commitment to promoting an inclusive environment. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 13
Engaged in continuous professional development. (a,c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Relevant experience with atmospheric pressure plasma jet reactor design and operation. (a,c,d)
Desirable Criteria 2
Relevant experience with ultra-fast pulsed plasma operation. (a,c,d)
Desirable Criteria 3
Relevant experience in (co)supervising of PhD and undergraduate students. (a,c,d)
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .
The Project
The project will introduce a ground-breaking approach to use renewable energy in three major industrial reactions: 1) N2 fixation, 2) CH4 valorization and 3) CO2 conversion to liquid solar fuels. We will use non-thermal plasma, which has large potential to convert these low reactive molecules under near ambient temperature and pressure, particularly for distributed processes based on renewable energy.
An efficient reactor design is essential to improve key performance parameters of the process, which are, first of all, energy efficiency and yield. Yet, literature studies with the existing types of plasma reactors (gliding arc, DBD), including our own ones, show that those reactors have intrinsic shortcomings, which probably set a severe limit for further optimisation. Thus, a new reactor concept is needed, which actually enables a new process, as we suppose that transport processes and selectivity in creating active species as well as their concentration make major points. Thus, our SCOPE project (ERC Synergy Grant, EU) proposes a new kind of microplasma, with much reduced electrode-to-electrode dimensions, microstructured reaction environment, and temperature modulations at the catalyst: Surface-COnfined fast-modulated Plasma for process and Energy intensification in small molecules conversion (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/810182 ).
Athena SWAN
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Silver award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/about/athenaswan/
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£30,046). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£30,942 pa).
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Other Information
ERC
Closing Date
17 Feb 2022