At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate steel-cement systems and assess their integrity in CO₂ environments.
- Company: Join a leading European consortium focused on carbon capture and storage.
- Benefits: Collaborate with top universities and industry partners for impactful research.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Contribute to net-zero targets by ensuring safe CO₂ storage infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background in corrosion assessment and materials science.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you interested in safeguarding the integrity of CO₂ storage infrastructure? Do you have a strong technical background in corrosion assessment? Are you interested in working with the industry to develop testing methodologies and protocols to assess the steel-cement interface characteristics required to deliver resilient, safe CO₂ storage infrastructure?
Capture and Storage (CCS) is critical to achieving net-zero targets. However, the long-term integrity of wells remains a major challenge, particularly in ensuring the reliability of storage infrastructure. Geological CO₂ storage is typically implemented through injection wells comprising steel casing and cementitious barriers. These materials are exposed to complex environments involving supercritical CO₂ and CO₂-saturated brines containing impurities, which can significantly influence corrosion processes, material degradation, and the performance of cement–steel interfaces. Such effects may ultimately compromise the long-term sealing of CCS systems.
As part of this role, you will join a major European consortium (SPECS) investigating the effects of CO₂ stream impurities on storage systems, working alongside leading universities, research organisations, and industry partners, including major energy companies across the UK and EU. This role focuses on the experimental investigation and mechanistic understanding of degradation processes in cement–steel systems, directly contributing to the definition of safe impurity limits and material selection strategies for CCS wells. The project addresses the critical challenge of ensuring the durability and integrity of cementitious seals and cement–steel interfaces exposed to supercritical CO₂ containing impurities.
Responsibilities
- Investigate degradation of steel–cement systems and study the interface with various steels and corrosion-resistant alloys (CRAs).
- Evaluate corrosion performance of steel–cement systems exposed to both clean and impure CO₂ compositions.
- Assess the integrity of cement–steel interfaces in CO₂–brine environments to help define safe impurity thresholds for CCS well materials.
For further information or queries, please contact: Dr. Yuvaraj Dhandapani, Lecturer, Institute of Functional Surfaces
Research Fellow in Materials Degradation in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration between academia and industry. With opportunities for hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a robust pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful research and innovation initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Materials Degradation in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in Leeds
✨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 University of Leeds, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Materials Degradation in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in Leeds
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 University of Leeds. 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 University of Leeds. 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 University of Leeds
✨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 University of Leeds. 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 University of Leeds to drive research projects forward.
