Research Associate/Fellow in Hydrogen Materials Research

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly environment

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and career progression

Staff discounts

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a Research Associate/Fellow in the Hydrogen Research Group at Jubilee Campus. The role focuses on optimizing metal and complex hydrides for ammonia synthesis and decomposition, with neutron studies and data interpretation for the MariNH3 project.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with synthesis, characterization, and neutron/synchrotron data analysis. Fixed-term, 6 months, full-time.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience in synthesis and characterisation of hydrides.
• Ability to interpret neutron and synchrotron data.

Responsibilities

• Conduct synthesis and characterization of metal and complex hydrides.
• Analyse neutron and synchrotron datasets and interpret results.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary Hydrogen Research Group.

Skills

Metal hydride synthesis

Neutron data analysis

Synchrotron data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science

Tools

Fullprof

Mantid

GSAS-II

Job description

Location: Jubilee Campus

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/Fellow to join the Hydrogen Research Group at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working at the forefront of hydrogen materials research. The project will focus on the optimisation of metal and complex hydrides for both the synthesis and decomposition of ammonia. This is an important part of the MariNH3 project which is due to finish on 30th June 2027. We have accumulated significant data on metal and complex hydride systems including neutron studies such as QENS and INS. Here we are looking for suitable candidate who has expertise in both synthesis and characterisation and interpretation of such hydrides from these neutron studies. The post is a short term one (6 months).

About the team

The Hydrogen Research Group comprises five academic staff members, eight research fellows, and eight PhD researchers. The group brings together internationally recognised expertise in both experimental and computational hydrogen materials research, spanning materials synthesis, characterisation, atomistic modelling, and materials informatics. We maintain strong collaborations with industrial partners and leading research institutions worldwide, enabling impactful and translational research in hydrogen technologies. We are committed to providing a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive research environment and welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career pathways.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

You should have expertise in:

We welcome applicants with a broad range of research interests and experiences who can contribute to our multidisciplinary research programme. Candidates should demonstrate experience in the following areas:

• Synthesis of metal and complex hydrides including reactive milling
• Characterisation of neutron and synchrotron data using packages such as Fullprof, Mantid, GsasII or equivalent
• Experience in analysing neutron and synchrotron data sets

The successful candidate will be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, and will be enthusiastic about advancing hydrogen storage materials.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays and university closure days)
• Access to training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Staff discounts, travel schemes, and a wide range of additional benefits

What next

This is a Fixed-Term position available for 6 months. Working hours are 36.25 hours per week (full-time).

Please contact Prof David Grant ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD)