At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to develop innovative porous metal materials for green hydrogen technologies.
- Company: World-class research university leading in economic and cultural development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, international collaboration, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to global experts and high-impact research publishing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while shaping your own research direction.
- Qualifications: Experience in research, manufacturing techniques, and a passion for green technologies.
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
Salary:
- Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum.
- Research Associate: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum.
The Role:
Green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is a key technology for decarbonising energy storage, chemicals and steel production. However, the design of porous metal materials at the heart of these devices remains largely unexplored, and new manufacturing approaches are needed to unlock their full potential.
We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Assistant to join the Electrochemical Engineering Science Group and work within Dr Daniel Niblett's team on the five-year UKRI EPSRC ION-H2 Fellowship. The programme combines computational modelling, machine learning, advanced manufacturing and electrolyser testing to develop next-generation green hydrogen technologies.
You will develop innovative manufacturing routes for structured and stochastic porous metal electrodes and transport layers using approaches such as additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, casting, particle sintering and precision machining. These materials will then be characterised and tested in electrolysers using imaging and electrochemical techniques, with opportunities to work with collaborators specialising in advanced X-ray computed tomography.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing independent research ideas within a supportive and growing team. The successful candidate will be encouraged to shape aspects of the programme, contribute to future research proposals, and develop their own research direction. The position provides an excellent platform for developing an independent academic or industrial career.
The ION-H2 programme forms part of the Niblett Group and includes direct collaboration and shared resources with the Electrochemical Engineering Science Group led by Professor Mohamed Mamlouk. The group contributes to several major international projects, including:
- EPSRC Ocean Refuel - Floating offshore wind coupled to hydrogen production and novel membraneless electrolyser development, 2kW stack testing and modelling.
- EPSRC HyPT - AEM electrolyser catalyst modelling, operando x-ray imaging and membrane development.
- ASTERISK - next-generation AEM membrane development.
The position offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for international collaboration with leading groups in porous material manufacturing, imaging, machine learning and electrochemical engineering. Current collaborators include UNSW Sydney (Australia), Shenzhen University (China), Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Groningen (The Netherlands), SINTEF (Norway) and Nel Hydrogen (USA) providing opportunities for research visits and international networking.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment with access to expertise spanning electrochemistry, computational modelling, advanced manufacturing and imaging. There will be opportunities to publish high-impact research, build international collaborations and contribute to future funding applications.
We recognise that excellent researchers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Daniel Niblett.
Duration of post is 24 months.
Research Assistant/ Associate in Porous Metal Manufacturing employer: Economicsnetwork
Join the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester, where you will be part of a vibrant team dedicated to pioneering research in quantum materials. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer generous benefits including a substantial pension contribution, 29 days of annual leave, and access to world-class research facilities, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/ Associate in Porous Metal Manufacturing
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Economicsnetwork, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/ Associate in Porous Metal Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Economicsnetwork. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Economicsnetwork. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Economicsnetwork. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Economicsnetwork to drive research projects forward.
