Graduate Research Assistant

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Newcastle is seeking an engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of a CO₂ recycling system for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This 10-month fixed-term role involves designing gas flow and thermal control systems, executing pilot tests, and ensuring compliance with fuel standards. Candidates should have a degree in engineering and experience in gas processing or thermal systems. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with gas processing or thermal systems.
• Understanding of pilot-scale systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement gas flow and thermal control systems.
• Execute pilot tests and collect operational data.
• Support safety assessments and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Data interpretation

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Gas processing equipment

Thermal systems

Chemical reactors

Job description

The Role

This role involves supporting the design, integration, and field testing of the CO2 recycling system which is a containerised platform for converting CO₂ and hydrogen into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Key tasks include optimising gas flow systems, thermal management, instrumentation, and overseeing pilot deployments at partner sites. The appointed engineer will work closely with technical staff, researchers, and external collaborators. The role is fixed term for a duration of 10 months, with an expected start date of 01/12/2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement gas flow, thermal control, and instrumentation systems for modular CO₂-to-fuel conversion units.
• Execute two extended-duration pilot tests, collect operational data, and support system troubleshooting.
• Contribute to safety assessments, regulatory documentation, and compliance with ASTM D7566 fuel standards.
• Support the preparation of technical reports, lifecycle analysis data, and funding deliverables.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with gas processing equipment, thermal systems, or chemical reactors.
• Understanding of pilot-scale systems and/or modular or containerised technologies.
• Strong technical problem-solving and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative technical team and maintain clear documentation.

About the Team

The eCO-SAF project is led by a multidisciplinary team based at Northumbria University, combining expertise in electrochemical engineering, sustainable fuels, and industrial deployment. Dr. Shahid Rasul (Principal Investigator) is an Associate Professor in Electrochemical Energy Engineering and the inventor of the eCO Generator system. He brings over 15 years of experience in CO₂ electroreduction, fuel synthesis, and system integration, supported by a strong track record of patents, peer-reviewed publications, and research leadership.

About You

• Applicants should hold a degree (or equivalent professional experience) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, and have demonstrable specialist knowledge in gas processing systems, reactor integration, thermal management, or electrochemical engineering.
• You should be confident working with pilot-scale or containerised engineering systems, capable of supporting multi-step process integration, and comfortable operating within an applied research and industrial field trial setting.
• Experience with CO₂ utilisation technologies, hydrogen systems, or SAF qualification standards (e.g. ASTM D7566) would be advantageous, but not essential. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and collaborative working are key to success in this role.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr. Shahid Rasul [e-mail]

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply' button above

Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

Closes on 10th November at 11:59pm