Research Fellow in microstructural characterisation of solid oxide cells in London

Imperial Global Singapore, Imperial College London’s formal research and innovation entity in Singapore, is seeking an experienced senior postdoctoral research assistant for the NH3-SOFC research programme on development of direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells. This programme represents a new and timely collaboration between the United Kingdom and Singapore and will be based at Imperial Global Singapore (IGS) offices, located on the campus of the National University of Singapore. This role will work across materials science, device engineering, electrochemistry, and in collaboration with the Programme Co-investigators based at IGS, Nanyang Technological University and CARES.

The programme aims to develop solid oxide fuel cells that can effectively and efficiently use ammonia directly as a fuel while maintaining high performance and durability. To overcome challenges related to material compatibility, anode degradation due to nitrification, slow chemical/electrochemical processes, and performance loss, the research programme will explore new materials, catalysts, and cell designs. There will be two cell types of interest in this programme: i) oxygen-ion and ii) proton-conducting ceramic solid oxide fuel cells. The project will span length scales, from materials discovery, including with computational approaches, through mechanical properties and microstructure optimisation to incorporation into short stacks for durability testing.

This post will be directed towards the development of high performance and degradation resistant electrode materials for use in either oxide ion conducting or proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells. The post holder will work closely with the computational team to investigate the microstructure of the fuel electrode materials developed, and utilise advanced analytical techniques including electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) to link the electrochemical performance of the electrode with the surface structure and chemistry. Materials of interest will include high entropy oxides, nitrides and oxide nitrides, each of which have shown initial promising hydrogen production/ammonia decomposition capabilities. Research will focus on the structural and electrochemical characterisation of new materials and will include post-mortem analysis of short stacks in collaboration with the team at Nanyang Technological University.

Candidates will be employed by Imperial Global Singapore, a research division of Imperial College London, consistently ranked within the top 10 of the QS University Rankings. Candidates will be resident and based in Singapore, but there will be opportunities for research visits to Imperial’s London-based locations, and the position is a great opportunity to gain international research experience in the South-East Asian Region.

You will be required to develop strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders and work independently in the role. You will bring technical knowledge to the programme and work with the researchers to publicise the programme. Based at IGS at CREATE Tower on the National University of Singapore’s campus in Singapore, coordination with Principal Investigators based at NTU and Imperial, as well as occasional travel to Imperial College London in the United Kingdom will be required. You will perform the following roles/activities:

Research Activities and Laboratory Management

Write progress reports and prepare results for annual report publication, press / web releases, presentations.

Ensure all health and safety procedures, and laboratory working practices are implemented and regularly reviewed

Undertake a personal programme of research overseen by the project leads in the area of electrode materials characterisation for direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells

Attend progress and management meetings as required and network with the other research groups where appropriate.

Attend relevant national and international workshops and conferences as necessary to support the aims of the programme.

Other Duties

Undertake any necessary training and/or development

Undertake appropriate administration tasks as defined by the project leads

Attend all relevant meetings

Observe and comply with all IGS policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures

Undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out by IGS

Comply with all policies and procedures defined by partner research institutions

Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

Education

A PhD (or equivalent) in any field of materials science, physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline with a focus on solid oxide cell technologies: (E)

Experience

Practical experience within a research environment and publication(s) in relevant peer reviewed journals. (E)

Expert in use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD). (E)

Experience in communicating with multiple parties in a vibrant and multidisciplinary and multinational environment (E)

Experience in X-ray diffraction/imaging/spectroscopy techniques preferably synchrotron based (D)

Experience in raising key issues with senior managers and academic staff (E)

Knowledge

Technical knowledge of development of solid oxide fuel cells or related/contributing research activities (E)

Knowledge of the stability and degradation phenomena prevalent in solid oxide cells (D)

Mechanistic understanding of the key process occurring in both oxide ion conducting and proton conducting solid oxide cells (D)

Skills & Abilities

Practical experience of scanning electron microscopy including electron back scatter data processing and analysis (E)

Highly confident and articulate with outstanding communication and persuasive skills both verbally and in writing (E)

Practical experience of operating a range of analytical/characterisation instruments including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (D)

Experience of data analysis from a wide variety of analytical techniques including, but not limited to, X-ray diffraction, Electron microscopy, Electrochemical cell testing, Thermal analysis, etc (D)

Experience in synthesis of a range of oxide ceramics using solid state and/or solution based routes (D)

Practical experience of synchrotron radiation and/or neutron diffraction/spectroscopy techniques (D)

Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment (E)

Ability to transfer skills and knowledge to colleagues effectively (E)

Demonstrated ability to develop and apply new concepts (E)

A creative approach to problem-solving (E)

Excellent organisational and time management skills, ability to prioritise and multi-task (E)

Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate written materials (E)

Highly motivated and enthusiastic in developing the programme (E)

Other

Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative (E)

A flexible attitude towards work (E)

Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times (E)

Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role (E)

Willingness to travel both within the Singapore and to the United Kingdom, and other destinations as required to conduct and disseminate research (E)

Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand. (E)

This role is Full time fixed term for 2 years in the first instance (with potential for extension dependent on funding). Post will be subject to 6 months’ probation period.

Informal enquiries are greatly welcome. You are encouraged to send an e-mail to Professor Stephen Skinner

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the following link: