Overview
We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering for a post-doctoral research associate in post-combustion CO2 capture technology
You will be joining the Energy 2050 research team in a large and diverse academic School working within a team of world-leading scientists with over 50 research fellows and PhD students. The key aspects of the role include using existing and developing new models of post-combustion capture with solvents with innovative gas/liquid contactors towards scale-up for commercial application and pilot scale testing.
If you have a first undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Physical Science, or Mechanical and/or Chemical Engineering and a PhD (or equivalent experience) in the subject area or a close discipline, you are encouraged to apply. Applicants having submitting their PhD theis and awaiting their viva will be considered.
Since the role involves significant collaborations with partners, you need to be willing and able to travel overseas. You will also need to demonstrate good knowledge of the post-combustion capture process, rate-based mass transfer with chemical absorption and be a proficient user of the process simulation software ASPEN.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake research related to the modelling and techno-economic assessment of post-combustion CO2 capture absorber columns and processes. This will entail both independent research and work and in collaboration with other team members in the research group.
- Active dissemination of research findings and output through project reports, conference proceedings, and journal publications.
- Create and maintain documentation for all developed models and experiments
- Liaise, engage and communicate research methods and outputs to senior staff internally and to industrial project partners, and other researchers in the field externally. The latter may include domestic and international travel.
- Develop plans for personal research and contribute to wider development of group strategy to identify and agree priorities for current and future work.
- Contribute to writing bids for research proposals for further research.
- Attend project meetings and research advisory group meetings.
- Provide guidance to other staff and students at the University of Sheffield interested in integrating methods/results from this work into their own activity.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential criteria
- A good honours undergraduate degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or a related field. (Assessed at application)
- A PhD (or have submitted) or equivalent experience in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering or a related field. (Assessed at application)
- Relevant experience in advanced process modelling software, methods and methodology, including experience using models developed in ASPEN or in-house in Visual Basics. (Assessed at application)
- Excellent ability to work independently, assess and organise resources and plan and progress activities. (Assessed at application)
- Excellent ability to analyse and solve problems using engineering based approaches, skills and methods. (Assessed at application)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, excellent report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations ; communicating to staff at all levels the organisation's strategic plan. (Assessed at application)
- Contribution to joint-industry R&D projects and previous engagement with industry. (Assessed at application)
- Relevant expertise in modelling CO2 capture processes, particularly solvent-based post-combustion capture. (Assessed at application)
Desirable criteria
- Relevant expertise in techno-economic assessment of emerging technologies. (Assessed at application)
- Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it. (Assessed at application)
Further Information
Grade: 7 -
Duration: 01/02/2025 to 31/07/2025
Line manager: Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job, contact:
Nick Hughes, Senior Research Support Officer: on n.j.hughes@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 27th January 2025. This will consist of and Interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 20th January 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Nick Hughes on n.j.hughes@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Redeployees closing date: 7 January 2025