Research Associate

EBRI

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is one of Aston University’s flagship research institutes and part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The Institute boasts a vibrant team of experienced and young researchers, and if successful you will join a team exploring research in aspects of bioenergy and sustainable chemicals. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary setting and work with academic and non-academic partners. We are proud to provide a supportive environment for early career researchers and offer mentoring/shadowing and other development opportunities to support staff in transitioning to new roles. 

You are invited for a full-time (6 months) or part -time (27 hours for 9 months) Research Associate position in the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Group within EBRI. This role involves the modification and testing of catalyst materials for hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge and aqueous-phase reforming of derived wastewaters as a combined conversion route to produce fuel gases and clean water. You will work with industrial partners to deliver the REvAR II (Renewable Energy via Aqueous-phase Reforming) project, funded by OFWAT (Water Services Regulation Authority) through the Water Discovery Challenge Competition. 

For this role, as the researcher you will carry out laboratory-based investigations of two-stage hydrothermal liquefaction and aqueous-phase reforming of sewage sludge with the aim of producing fuel gases, particularly methane (and hydrogen). Initial work will involve the assessment of previous work done under REvAR I to understand the current state of the project. Thereafter, you will work on developing and applying appropriate catalysts to generate and confirm data for process optimisation.  The role will involve the use of batch and continuous reactors, detailed analytical characterisation of feedstock and reaction products, and mass and energy balances calculations. The optimised data will be shared with industrial partners and used to develop kinetic and thermodynamic models for scale-up to a demonstration plant. 

If you have any enquiries regarding this position, please contact Jude Onwudili (Reader) on j.onwudili@aston.ac.uk. 

Please refer to our Aston University benefits page where you can see the how Aston recognises the contributions staff make and the comprehensive rewards and benefits packages available for staff.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

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