Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering - 105562 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job description

Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closing date: 27th April 2025

Background

The School of Chemical Engineering is a multi-disciplinary and vibrant environment for outstanding study and research. In the Research Excellence Framework (2021) the School of Chemical Engineering received a ranking in the top 10 of the sector by grade point average and 4-star research. We have a research income in excess of £10 million per year through a balanced portfolio of grants from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the European Union and Industry.

This specific role is to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within a funded EPSRC grant ‘Thermally Responsive Supports for Enhanced Efficiency in PET Depolymerisation’. The project aims to address the current drawbacks of existing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polymer recycling methods by developing a scalable process for its depolymerisation. In particular to study the development and testing of thermally responsive catalyst supports that can be solubilised and then recovered by temperature cycling.

The Research Fellow will be responsible for carrying out the evaluation of catalysts developed in Chemistry, devising kinetic models to represent the process and design of downstream separation processes, including preparation of bespoke membranes.

Role Summary

• Work within a specified research grant funded by EPSRC on ‘Thermally Responsive Supports for Enhanced Efficiency in PET Depolymerisation’
• Conduct experimental studies of PET depolymerisation and associated product separations, including preparation of bespoke membranes, within area of specialism under the supervision of Prof. Joe Wood
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results, including fitting of kinetic models
• Produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Play an active role in the Catalysis & Reaction Engineering research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may help to supervise research (PhD, MEng and MSc) students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment
• Liaise with project partners and make contributions to knowledge transfer, business and public engagement

Main Duties

• Plan and carry out experimental studies of catalyst performance in the depolymerisation of PET, including characterisation of catalysts and reactor products, e.g. via gas chromatography (GC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Devise kinetic models and fit them to reaction profiles to determine the model of best fit, for example using software packages such as gProms, MSExcel
• Contribute to the design and operation of laboratory equipment
• Devise product separation strategies, carry out laboratory tests of membrane separations, and work with the project team including researchers in Chemistry and project partners
• Analyse and interpret data as directed
• Disseminate research findings, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Contribute to Departmental research-related activities and administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD Degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or closely related discipline
• First degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or closely related discipline
• Ability and experience to plan and carry out laboratory work in catalysis, reaction engineering and/or separation processes
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones via application of data modelling software, e.g. MSExcel or MATLAB
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• 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 to Joe Wood, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.