Research Assistant/Associate in Polymer Membrane
Research Assistant/Associate in Polymer Membrane
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£ 32546 - 34132
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Salary:
Research Assistant: 32546 to 34132 per annum
Research Associate: 35116 to 38249 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 20 July 2025
The Role
We are seeking to appoint a talented and enthusiastic PDRA with experience in polymer synthesis and membrane fabrication to join our group in studying membranes for alkaline based water electrolysers. The candidate will be joining a team of researchers across five institutes working on 5 year programme grant Ocean Refuel. Ocean Renewable Energy Fuels project will explore ways of converting ocean energy into fuels including hydrogen and ammonia for use in heating energy storage and difficult to decarbonise transport applications.
Newcastle University is a world class research-intensive university. We play a leading role in economic social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
Electrochemical Engineering group at School of Engineering is recognised as world leading with expertise focusing on electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Prof. Mohamed Mamlouk has long track record and international standing in hydrogen research. You will be working with additional PDRAs (electrocatalyst membrane system testing and electrode modelling) at Newcastle on the project and closely with project partners universities. At Newcastle you will be part of multiplanetary international teams of over 15 researchers in area of Electrochemical Engineering with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information about Ocean Refuel please visit: or informal enquiries about the role or for requests for more detailed project information please contact Mohamed Mamlouk via email Mohamed Mamlouk
Or visit the school colleague profile via more information on the School of Engineering please click here
This is a full time role (37 hours per week) on a fixed term basis for a duration up to Summer 2028 with a potential start date of 1st July 2025 however we aim to be flexible with this date.
To apply please complete the online application and provide your CV and a covering letter. The covering letter should be no more than two pages long and should detail how you meet the person specification as noted below.
Knowledge Skills and Experience
Experience in various methods of polymerisation and functionalisation
Experience in synthesis fabrication and chemical-physical characterisation of polymers (preferably ion exchange or ion solvating) and study of their degradation
Experience in polymer membrane film fabrication from polymers solutions
High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity
Ability to communicate complex information (verbally and written) with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
Ability to design and prepare professional reports and manuscripts and present findings to industrial and academic project partners at conferences and project meetings and write high quality scientific publications
Ability and experience of supervision of junior staff postgraduate and undergraduate research projects
Willingness to travel abroad for short research visits at international project partners
Desirable
Experience in composite and polymer reinforcement
Experience in anion exchange water electrolysers
Experience in electrochemical devices fabrication and testing
knowledge of electrochemical analysis techniques to test performance and stability of ion exchange membranes in electrolysers and how they impact cell performance and stability
Attributes and Behaviour
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Professional approach with a demonstrable commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the general public and external stakeholders and the ability to interact with people from different disciplines
Good project organizational skills and the ability to work to strict deadlines.
Monitor and where appropriate manage research resources (e.g. time materials finance laboratory space equipment) effectively
Ability to work in a diverse team but also independently. Contributing to the development of effective and mutually supportive working relationships and practices
Play a major part in the dissemination of individual or team-based research outputs
Ensure intellectual rigour and adherence to ethical standards in the research for which they are responsible
Assist colleagues in interpretation of their data to manage competing priorities and to develop their research skills
Ensure that knowledge and methodological/technical skills in their own and related areas of scholarship are extended and inform research activities
Qualifications
Essential for Research Assistant post:
Working towards or nearing completion of a PhD (within 3 months max) in chemical science chemical engineering mechanical engineering polymer science and engineering materials science or a closely related discipline
Essential for Research Associate post:
A fully completed and awarded PhD in chemical science chemical engineering mechanical engineering polymer science and engineering materials science or a closely related discipline
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28226
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
