Postdoctoral Research Associate - UNISON

Durham University; Barnard Castle; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Engineering with a focus on hydrogen technologies. The role involves working on the UNISON project to improve ammonia combustion, supporting research funding bids, and developing innovative solutions while engaging with the academic community and industry partners.

Qualifications

• PhD (or close to submission) in Mechanical/Thermal Engineering or related.
• Experience with combustion test rigs and analytical engineering models.
• Demonstrable ability to publish research in high-impact journals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the UNISON project focusing on hydrogen technologies.
• Support the development of innovative combustors and technology solutions.
• Enhance public understanding and commercial impact of the research.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Independence

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Thermal Engineering

Good first degree in Engineering related subject

Tools

CONVERGE

Job description

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Department of Engineering with a particular emphasis on hydrogen technologies. The EPSRC project, UNISON, seeks to improve the combustion of neat ammonia by exploring fuel additive-enhanced combustion or a catalytic burner that enable ammonia-hydrogen co-combustion. Key goals include optimising combustion efficiency, minimising emissions, and providing industry-ready solutions for ammonia combustion. Working within the EPSRC project, they will focus on clean combustion challenges, analysing and interpreting research findings, supporting the development of innovative combustors, and driving innovative technology solutions. The role also involves contributing to research funding bids, supporting licensing or spin-out activities, and enhancing the broader public understanding and commercial impact of the research.

The post-holder is employed to work on the UNISON project which will be led by Prof Dawei Wu. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

A good first degree in anEngineering related subject. A PhD (or be close to submission) inMechanical/Thermal Engineering or related subject.

Experience

Experience in conducting high quality academic research. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals. Demonstrable ability to present research papers atinternationalconferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community. Experience indesigning and operating combustion test rigs; developing analytical engineering models using CONVERGE or other CFD tools; and conducting experimental studies in a mechanical engineering laboratory environment, with a focus on hydrogen-related technology development.

Skills

Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals. Experience inworking with industry partners and other internal or external parties to maximise the research impact and establish new research collaboration

Skills

Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Prof Dawei Wu, MOL Professor of Maritime Energy Systems

Email: c/o

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.