Postdoctoral Research Associate – Geological Hydrogen Storage

RFCSR; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Defined benefits pension scheme

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geological Hydrogen Storage to work within the School of GeoSciences. The role focuses on subsurface hydrogen systems, laboratory HPHT experiments, and real-time monitoring to understand hydrogen generation and release rates in geological settings.

You will lead experimental programs, analyze data, and integrate results with geochemical modelling, contributing to Horizon Europe projects and producing robust datasets for

Qualifications

• PhD awarded or submitted by start date in geochemistry or closely related discipline.
• Experience with experimental geochemistry and HPHT lab setups.
• Strong knowledge of water–rock–gas reactions and redox processes.
• Experience with modelling using PHREEQC, GWB, TOUGHREACT, CrunchFlow.
• Proficient in Python, R, or MATLAB and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead HPHT experimental programme with batch reactors.
• Analyse and interpret experimental datasets.
• Integrate results with thermodynamic and kinetic modelling.
• Constrain hydrogen generation rates across geological environments.
• Produce robust, well-documented datasets for consortium partners.
• Contribute to project reports and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with international research partners.

Skills

Geochemistry

HPHT experiments

Data analysis

Education

PhD in geochemistry or related

Tools

PHREEQC

Geochemist's Workbench

TOUGHREACT

CrunchFlow

Python

Job description

The University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh, United Kingdom

General Description – include all relevant details from the source

The University of Edinburgh is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Geological Hydrogen Storage within the School of GeoSciences, part of the College of Science and Engineering. This full-time academic research position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on subsurface hydrogen systems and clean energy technologies.

The successful candidate will support the University of Edinburgh’s contribution to the Horizon Europe Clean Hydrogen project H2-QUEST. The project aims to improve understanding of hydrogen source rocks and quantify hydrogen generation and release rates under subsurface-relevant conditions. The research focuses on developing experimental and modelling approaches to better characterize hydrogen generation processes in geological settings.

The postholder will lead the University’s experimental programme using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) batch reactors and implement real-time monitoring of hydrogen production using in-situ microsensors. Responsibilities include analysing and interpreting experimental datasets, integrating results with thermodynamic and kinetic geochemical modelling, and constraining hydrogen generation rates across different geological environments. The role also involves producing robust, well-documented datasets for consortium partners, contributing to project reporting and scientific publications, and collaborating closely with international research partners within the project consortium.

The position is based within a world-leading research environment at the University of Edinburgh, which provides strong interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced facilities. The role is laboratory-based and requires regular on-site attendance during experimental work, with limited remote working permitted for specific tasks subject to agreement with the line manager.

The appointment is full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed-term for approximately 16 months. The successful candidate will join an international research collaboration and contribute to advancing knowledge of natural hydrogen generation relevant to future low-carbon energy systems.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD (awarded or submitted by the start date) in geochemistry, geoenergy, chemistry, chemical engineering with a geoscience focus, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate strong research capability and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within an international collaborative research environment.

Required expertise/skills

Applicants should demonstrate experience with experimental geochemistry and reactor-based laboratory experiments, particularly involving high-pressure and high-temperature experimental systems or similar high-integrity laboratory setups. Strong knowledge of water–rock–gas reactions and redox processes relevant to hydrogen generation is essential.

Candidates should also have experience with thermodynamic and/or kinetic geochemical modelling using platforms such as PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench, TOUGHREACT, CrunchFlow, or similar tools. Experience with analytical techniques for reactive geological systems, strong quantitative data analysis skills using tools such as Python, R, or MATLAB, and the ability to communicate research outcomes effectively within a multidisciplinary project environment are important for the role.

Salary details –

Grade UE07: £41,064 – £48,822 per annum

Additional benefits include generous annual leave and public holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, wellbeing support, and professional development and training opportunities.