Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plasma-Driven Nitrogen Fixation

Corehr; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Liverpool invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team in plasma-driven nitrogen fixation. The project aims to develop a prototype plasma system for sustainable fertiliser production from air and water, working with collaborators at UCL.

You will design, build and optimise a plasma-liquid reactor, perform experimental plasma studies and numerical modelling, analyse data and contribute to reporting and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma science, physics, electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Essential experience in plasma-liquid systems with both experimental work and numerical modelling.
• Experience in plasma source development, plasma diagnostics, reactor optimisation or analytical chemistry (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Develop, construct and optimise a plasma-liquid reactor based on an existing plasma source design.
• Combine experimental plasma science with numerical modelling to understand nitrogen fixation pathways.
• Quantify nitrogen-containing products and assess system performance using analytical chemistry methods.
• Design and test the prototype system, analyse data and publish results.

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plasma-Driven Nitrogen Fixation

Electrical Engineering and Electronics

Hours of work: Full-time

Tenure: Fixed term for 10 months

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our research team working in the interdisciplinary field of plasma-driven nitrogen fixation. This EPSRC-funded project aims to develop a prototype plasma system for the sustainable generation of fertiliser from air and water.

Working closely with researchers at the University of Liverpool and collaborators at UCL, you will develop, construct and optimise a plasma-liquid reactor based on an existing plasma source design. The role will combine experimental plasma science with numerical modelling to understand and improve nitrogen fixation pathways, alongside the use of analytical chemistry methods to quantify nitrogen-containing products and assess system performance. You will contribute to the design and testing of the prototype system, analyse experimental and simulation data, and publish the resulting research.

Applicants should have a PhD, or have passed their PhD viva, in plasma science, physics, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline. Essential experience includes previous research on plasma-liquid systems incorporating both experimental work and numerical simulation or modelling. Experience in plasma source development, plasma diagnostics, reactor optimisation or analytical chemistry would be advantageous.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.