Research Assistant/Technician in Carbon Capture

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Research Assistant to support the development of next-generation electrochemical technologies for CO₂ capture. The role involves building and testing flow cells, providing technical support, and working closely with the research team. This part-time position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the option for hybrid working.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Employee wellbeing services

Additional annual leave

Paid closure over Christmas

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Understanding of electrochemical methods for CO₂ capture.
• Experience in research and development environments.

Responsibilities

• Build a flow cell for CO₂ capture.
• Test reproducibility in CO₂ removal.
• Manage computational/operational systems.

Skills

Electrochemical technologies

Technical support

Flow cell construction

CO₂ capture systems

Job description

Job reference: SAE-030550

Salary:Grade 5 £32,080 - £36,636 pro rata per annum, depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit:Science and Engineering

Location:Oxford Road

Employment type:Fixed Term

Division/Team:Department of Materials

Hours Per Week:Part time, 0.3 FTE

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY):09/01/2026

Contract Duration:Fixed term from February 2026 for 12 months, with the possibility of extension afterwards

School/Directorate:School of Natural Sciences

About the role

We are looking for a professional research assistant/technician to support our development of the next‑generation electrochemical technologies for direct ocean capture of CO₂.

Developing methods for CO₂ removal is important to promote global environment sustainability. Electrochemical decarbonisation is a promising and eco‑friendly way that can reduce CO₂ emissions and help tackle climate change. This process can be achieved using an electrochemical system. The successful candidate would be expected to work with the Research Associate in Electrochemistry in the team and provide technical support for developing electrochemical devices for CO₂ capture. Daily technical duties will include: (i) building up a flow cell for CO₂ capture, (ii) testing its reproducibility to remove CO₂, (iii) managing the computational/operational system for CO₂ capture devices. The successful candidate would also be expected to work alongside the Principal Investigator (Dr Zhen Xu) to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of CO₂ capture measurements in the lab.

The position is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and is available from February 2026 for a period of 12 months, with the possibility to extend after 12 months.

What will you get in return

• Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Recruitment enquiries

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Zhen Xu

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.