Research Associate in Surface Engineering

Role & Project:

Our Engineering team is recruiting a Research Associate to join them on a 12 month fixed term contract to undertake research in the field of plasma surface functionalization and chemical vapour deposition.

As a Research Associate, you will be working with the team engaged in the prestigious Horizon Europe project “Enzymatic CO2 Capture in a Rotating Packed Bed and Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Useful Products”, to develop new electrochemical catalysts for the reutilisation of carbon dioxide.

Working closely with Dr David Sawtell and Dr Zaenab Abd-Allah you will play a pivotal role in leading part of the project alongside the Project Co-ordinator and other colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Functionalization of carbon nanotubes and graphene materials using atmospheric pressure plasma.
• Design of template free shape-controlled tin-based catalysts (with or without dopants) via atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.
• Physical and chemical testing of the functionalized graphene, carbon nanotubes and produced catalysts by use of SEM, XPS, XRD, AFM and Raman spectroscopy.
• Use of different plasma systems, including dielectric barrier discharge.

Key Attributes required:

• A doctoral level qualification in a relevant area and evidence of continuous professional development.
• Proficiency in the application of relevant equipment, software and techniques such as SEM, XPS, XRD, AFM and Raman spectroscopy.
• Significant research experience in the field of plasma surface functionalization and chemical vapour deposition.
• Possess sufficient breadth and/or depth of specialist plasma surface functionalisation, and coating knowledge including chemical vapour deposition, to work within established research programmes and write authoritatively in the area.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and Cover Letter via our portal, by clicking "apply now". For an informal discussion, please contact Dr David Sawtell (D.Sawtell@mmu.ac.uk).

Please be aware that only applications including a cover letter may be considered at shortlisting stage.