Job DescriptionPosition DetailsSchool of Chemical Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027
Closing date: 16th March 2025
BackgroundBirmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) is a cross-campus research centre with its hub in the School of Chemical Engineering. It unites researchers from various disciplines to advance both fundamental and applied research in clean energy conversion, storage and utilization, as well as industrial decarbonisation technologies, covering novel materials, devices and systems, alongside multiscale modelling, process scale-up, and manufacturing technologies and policy analysis. For more information, visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/energystorage/.
Role SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join BCES for an industry-funded post aimed for the foundation industry decarbonisation with a focus on formulation, characterisation, manufacturing, scale-up, and reliability testing of novel structured thermochemical materials for CO2 splitting and ceramic materials for sustaining high-temperature hush ironmaking conditions.
The post holder will be part of a team, interact closely with industrial partners, and play a key role in developing and demonstrating a new industrial decarbonisation technology - PeroCycle, based on in-process CO2 splitting using a double perovskite made from non-critical materials of barium, calcium, niobium and iron (BCNF). PeroCycle technology targets deep decarbonisation of both blast furnace (BF) and Direct Reduction of Iron (DRI) processes.
Main DutiesThe main responsibilities of the post holder will include:
- BCNF Research - Materials: Optimisation, characterisation, and fabrication of double perovskite materials (specifically BCNFs such as Ba2Ca0.66Nb0.68Fe0.66O6 - δ) for enhanced kinetics, conversion and yield of CO2 splitting on BCNF (BCNF oxidation) and regeneration (BCNF reduction), and reduced costs; investigation of the effects of reaction conditions (temperature, flow, pressure, and gas phase compositions) on the splitting and regeneration kinetics, particularly under BF top gas and DRI flue gas conditions.
- BCNF Research - Modules: Design and optimisation of BCNF modules to achieve highly specific surface area for reactions, robust mechanical strength under cyclic gas switching and redox reactions at elevated temperatures, extended lifespan, and reduced manufacturing costs.
- BCNF Research - Manufacturing: Fabrication of optimised BCNF materials and modules for pre-pilot scale experiments at 100s kg scale; development of methods for large-scale manufacturing of the optimised BCNF materials and modules for an annual production scale up to hundreds to million tons.
- Ceramic material research: Investigation of formulation of ceramic materials that are chemically and physically compatible with BF slag and gaseous composition under prevailing operation conditions; exploration of methods for fabricating such ceramic materials into structured modules that have sufficient mechanical strength for use within blast furnaces, particularly the mushy zone, to provide both structural support and permeability.
- Interaction and Collaboration: to interact closely with project team members, including but not limited to those working on materials, modelling, devices and system design and construction, to ensure smooth information and materials flows; to participate in the work on devices and system design, construction and experimental testing; to perform data analysis; and when needed, to interact with industrial partners, and effectively and efficiently communicate the findings.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Research Dissemination: Contribute to research publications, reports, and presentations to share findings with the scientific community and stakeholders, subject to IP protection.
- Guidance and Support: Provide support and guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
- Student Supervision: Supervise students at both UG and PG levels on research related to the work and discipline.
- Research Management: Undertake management/administration tasks needed for the research.
- Departmental Engagement: Engage in Departmental/School research-related activities and administration.
- Enterprise and Public Engagement: Participate in enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities beneficial to the College and the University, typically under the supervision of a project leader.
- Promotion of Inclusivity: 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 in materials formulation, characterisation, fabrication, or scale-up of manufacturing technologies related to the responsibilities.
- Good underpinning degree in relevant field of science or engineering, for example: metallurgical and materials engineering, chemical and process engineering, energy engineering or a discipline closely related to the main duties.
- Proven track record in at least three of (i) formulation, fabrication and characterisation of thermochemical materials for medium to high temperature applications; (ii) scale-up of manufacturing technologies; (iii) structured ceramic materials that are metallurgical slag-resistant; (iv) thermodynamics and reaction kinetics of solid-state inorganic materials; and (v) property enhancement of inorganic materials through e.g. doping.
- Proven track record and demonstrable proficiency in materials research related research capabilities; hands on experience in materials manufacturing.
- Understanding and experience with material characterisation techniques such as DSC, STA, XRD, XRT, SEM, XPS, MS, FTIR, etc.
- Track record of academic publications, delivery of project outcomes and outputs that are recognised within the field.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international and cross disciplinary research and development environment.
- High level analytical capability.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
- 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.
Internal and External relationships - Liaising with research staff and support staff on research-related matters.
- Proactively interacting with industrial collaborators and stakeholders.
- Proactively engaging with potential external collaborators on the research.
- Preparing and giving presentations and/or contribute to presentations at national and/or international workshops, seminars, and conferences.
- Liaising with the relevant external research community via seminars and conferences.
- Proactively engaging in research dissemination, knowledge transfer, and potential commercial exploitation activities.
Informal enquiries to Lada Zimina, email: l.zimina@bham.ac.uk
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.
