Research Fellow - Thermal Energy Storage Materials and Devices - School of Chemical Engineering - 57049

RESEARCH FELLOW – THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS AND DEVICES – 57049

Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434
Grade 7
Full Time
Fixed-term for up to 2 years
Location:  University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Closing Date: 24 April 2022

Background

The Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage at the School of Chemical Engineering is undertaking a number of research projects on thermal energy storage funded by EPSRC, EU and industries.

The purpose of the present post is to develop cost-effective high-performance thermal energy storage materials and devices and associated manufacturing technologies for heat decarbonisation. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator of complex information and will be able to coordinate his or her own work with others to engage relevant expertise across the University. The position will provide the successful candidate with many opportunities to build a successful research career for either future academic or industrial employment.

Summary of Role

•    Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
•    Operate within area of specialism
•    Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
•    Contribute to generating funding 
•    Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties/Responsibilities

•    To conduct own and original research
•    To formulate, characterise, analyse, optimise and manufacture cost-effective high-performance thermal energy storage materials for heat decarbonisation;
•    To design and construct thermal energy storage devices based on the materials developed using one or more of renewable energy, industrial waste heat and other low carbon energy sources, and measure the performance of the devices;
•    To develop a control method and implement the method for the thermal energy storage devices; 
•    To model the thermal energy storage device and compare the results with experiments;
•    To interact with both academic and industrial collaborators in the project teams, and build internal and external contacts and networks;
•    To help with training graduate students and other group members who are working on similar areas;
•    To write grant applications and journal and conference publications;
•    To organise review meetings, seminars and conferences;
•    To supervise students’ projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
•    To assist supervisors to train researchers and students new to the laboratories and to ensure the laboratories meet health and safety requirements.
•    Analyse and interpret data
•    Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
•    Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
•    Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

•    A first or a 2:1 degree in relevant science/engineering discipline, and a PhD (or close to completing)  or equivalent experience and qualifications in an area related to the main research responsibilities outlined above (Essential);
•    A high level of knowledge in thermal energy storage (Essential);
•    A high level analytical capability with proficiency in hands-on experiments (Essential);
•    Demonstrable prior experience with track record in areas closely related to the main research responsibilities as outlined above (Essential); 
•    An ability to communicate complex information clearly (Essential);
•    An excellent set of skills in the use of relevant analytical equipment (Essential); 
•    Experience in mathematical modelling using CFD software (Desirable);
•    An ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively (Desirable).
•    Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
•    Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
•    Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
•    Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
•    Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
•    Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Lada Zimina; [email protected] 

 
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.