PDRA in Advanced Spectroscopy

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a motivated early-career researcher as a Research Associate in advanced spectroscopy, focused on sustainable chemistry. This role offers excellent mentorship and opportunities to publish in a high-demand field. Working within a major consortium, you will develop methods to analyze chemical processes using advanced imaging techniques. Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant field along with skills in advanced analytical techniques and data visualization. Generous holiday packages and professional development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Great pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience with analytical techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy.
• Ability to analyze experimental data with a focus on reproducibility.
• Experience in at least two areas: electrochemical analysis or environmental monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments in catalysis focused on ethanol oxidation and selective C-C coupling.
• Utilize advanced spectroscopic methods to characterize catalysts.
• Present results at conferences and workshops.

Skills

Operando and in-situ ATR-IR

Data analysis and visualization (R or Python)

Green chemistry principles

Experience with laboratory automation

Competence in photodegradation experiments

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

FTIR

Raman spectroscopy

Electrochemical analysis

Job description

We are seeking a talented and motivated early-career researcher to join the Energy Materials Laboratory at Newcastle University as a Research Associate (PDRA) in advanced spectroscopy. This role is part of the national Great British Chemicals consortium and focuses on developing The Analytical Toolbox for benign‑by‑design alternatives to enable more sustainable, low‑carbon and circular approaches to chemical manufacturing. You will develop and use a GB Chemicals analytical suite to enhance the understanding of (1) catalysis for upgrading fossil‑free feedstocks; (2) chemical degradation products and their environmental implications. Both are linked by a need to understand the reaction mechanisms using in‑situ and operando spectroscopy. The post offers excellent opportunities for publications, collaboration and professional development, with strong mentoring and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Project Context

The Great British Chemicals programme is a flagship investment funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). We will make, collate and translate knowledge from research on defossilising the chemicals value chain across technologies, policy, energy and industrial systems, to deliver impact in partnership with industry, civic bodies, national government and the third sector ensuring a strong economy, and an improved environment, which is fair, and creates inclusive opportunities. The scheme will support the transition of UK industrial manufacturing processes and operations to net zero and drive a sustainable industrial future. This position is a crucial step for early‑career researchers aiming for careers in academia or industry, providing extensive experience in a high‑demand, impactful field.

Training & Development

Mentoring and career development planning with the PI and access to institutional training. Opportunities to develop advanced skills in automation, quantitative analysis and scientific writing through our 'People' theme. Conference attendance and networking within the national consortium of 10 universities, subject to project needs and budget. Support from a Scientific Officer and Research Technician.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments in catalysis, focusing on reactions such as ethanol oxidation, selective C‑C coupling and hydrogen transfer
• Employ a range of advanced spectroscopic methods (e.g., operando FTIR, Raman and photoluminescence) to characterize catalysts and investigate reaction mechanisms under realistic conditions
• Integrate experimental results with theoretical models and simulations to establish structure‑performance relationships that guide the rational design of new catalysts or processes
• Regular communication with collaborators across the consortium; presentation of results at lab meetings, workshops and conferences
• Preparation of manuscripts and contributions to shared protocols, SOPs and data repositories
• Assist in the training and supervision of PhD and master's students and help manage laboratory operations and safety protocols
• Hands‑on experience of infrared spectroscopy and Raman microscopy applied to heterogeneous catalysis and/or electrocatalysis
• Experience in at least two of: electrochemical analysis; photocatalysis; environmental monitoring to determine persistence of molecules
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data with attention to controls, reproducibility and record‑keeping
• Clear, concise scientific communication (written and oral)

Desired Experience & Skills

• Experience with operando and in‑situ ATR‑IR, DRIFTs or Raman and/or time‑resolved vibrational spectroscopy
• Experience with photodegradation experiments
• Familiarity with computational modelling to inform experiments
• Experience with laboratory automation
• Competence in data analysis and visualization (R or Python)
• An understanding of green chemistry principles
• Track record of dissemination (preprints, peer‑reviewed publications, or conference presentations)

Attributes & Behaviour

• Proactive, organised and collaborative with excellent time‑management
• Ability to work independently while engaging positively within a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to open, reproducible science
• PhD (or thesis submitted) in a relevant discipline (e.g. physical, inorganic or analytical chemistry, catalysis, materials science, chemical engineering or a closely related field)

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.

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 Gold Athena 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.