Research Associate in Heterogeneous Catalysis

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK institution is seeking a researcher to develop a multiscale kinetic modelling framework for heterogeneous catalysis. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in chemical engineering or chemistry and expertise in experimental catalysis and porous materials. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement with exceptional benefits, including a generous pension scheme and annual leave entitlement.

Benefits

Fantastic market leading Pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Local and national discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Candidates should be close to completing or already hold a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in experimental heterogeneous catalysis, porous materials, NMR spectroscopy and/or kinetic modelling is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead catalyst synthesis and small-scale experimental studies.
• Prepare materials and deliver high-quality validation data.
• Work with partners and contribute to joint publications.

Skills

Experimental heterogeneous catalysis

Porous materials

NMR spectroscopy

Kinetic modelling

Education

PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related discipline

Job description

The overall project focus is to develop and apply a multiscale kinetic modelling framework for heterogeneous catalysis in porous materials, combining atomic-scale simulations, mesoscale modelling, and reactor-level analysis. The main purpose of this role is to provide experimental results to support and validate these computational models.

Candidates should be close to completing or already hold a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline, with expertise in experimental heterogeneous catalysis, porous materials, NMR spectroscopy and/or kinetic modelling. The successful applicant will work closely with partners, regularly communicate findings, and contribute to joint publications, creating new opportunities to guide catalyst development for sustainable manufacturing processes.

The project team combines strengths in computational modelling, molecular simulations, experimental catalysis, and process design to achieve high-efficiency conversion of biomass into valuable chemicals. The advertised position will lead catalyst synthesis and small-scale experimental studies, preparing materials and delivering high-quality validation data. Working closely with the simulation teams at the University of Oxford and University of Oklahoma, and multiple industrial partners, this position ensures that theoretical models are robustly tested against real catalytic behaviours, advancing sustainable solutions for biomass utilisation.

What you will 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

We are an equal opportunities employer and 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.

Please note that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Xiaolei Fan
Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:
Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:
0161 850 2004 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.