Research Fellow

Type of Contract: Funding/Activity Limited 24 months, Full-time

We are seeking to recruit a suitably qualified chemist or chemical engineer with a strong background in plasma catalysis or electrochemistry to join a vibrant research team under the leadership of Professor Angel Cuesta and Dr. Panagiotis Kechagiopoulos. This post is supported by an EPSRC Adventurous Energy Research grant which aims at identifying conditions under which the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to useful products can be achieved efficiently and with good selectivity using a non-thermal plasma as electrolyte. The project will also involve the design of cells and methodologies to record infrared reflectance, UV-vis reflectance and optical emission spectra during the electrochemical experiments, with the aim of identifying intermediates and products of the reaction, thereby allowing to identify reaction mechanisms and product distributions and yields.

The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up and developing cells and methodologies for electrochemical experiments in non-thermal plasmas and for in-situ characterisation of the electrode-plasma interface using infrared spectroscopy and other optical spectroscopies. The ideal candidate will have experience in plasma catalysis. Additional experience with the application of in-situ vibrational and/or optical spectroscopies for surface and plasma characterisation will be valued.

Training will also be provided to enable the candidate to extend and complement their existing skills. This is a full-time post for a fixed term of 24 months.

The candidate is expected to have a PhD, or about to submit their thesis, in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Physics with a strong background in either plasma catalysis, electrochemistry or the application of vibrational/optical spectroscopy to the study in-situ of surfaces and plasmas.

The candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Self-motivation and an excellent work ethic are also essential for this post. Good interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills are desirable to ensure efficient working within the wider team.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £34,304 - £35,326 per annum, and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience. Consideration will be given to individuals in the final stages of their PhD, who will be appointed on Grade 5 (£28,756 - £32,344 per annum) as a Research Assistant and assimilated to Grade 6 upon completion of their PhD.

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Angel Cuesta, Head of School of Natural and Computing Sciences ([email protected] ).

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa.  At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser ([email protected] ) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number:  NCS194R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 4 May 2022.