Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Experimental Electro-intrusion
- Employer
- University of Birmingham
- Location
- Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Salary
- £30,942.00 - £42,792.00
- Posted
- Apr 03, 2021
- Closes
- Apr 25, 2021
- Ref
- 164502
- Sector
- Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
- Jobseeker Type
- Academic (e.g. 'Lecturer')
- Organization Type
- University and College
- Hours
- Full Time
Position Details
School of Chemical Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322 with potential progression once in post to £42,792 a year.
Grade 7
Full Time / Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years
Role Purpose
To demonstrate a high efficiency of (mechanical + thermal)-to-electrical energies conversion via nanotriboelectrification during non-wetting liquid intrusion-extrusion process; to design and construct a prototype device to harvest and store the electricity generated from such intrusion-extrusion process; and to experimentally test the device on an EV. The specific focus is on harvesting the fluctuating electricity generated from nanotriboelectrification in a shock-absorber designed for an electrical vehicle, store the electricity to a portable or stationary energy storage device, integrate such a device to the EV and charge the main batteries of the car during driving.
This is a primarily experimental post for up to 3 years funded by the EU H2020 under the FET Proactive programme.
Main Duties/Responsibilities
The main responsibilities will include:
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Informal enquiries can be made to Lada Zimina, email: L.Zimina@bham.ac.uk
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community
School of Chemical Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322 with potential progression once in post to £42,792 a year.
Grade 7
Full Time / Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years
Role Purpose
To demonstrate a high efficiency of (mechanical + thermal)-to-electrical energies conversion via nanotriboelectrification during non-wetting liquid intrusion-extrusion process; to design and construct a prototype device to harvest and store the electricity generated from such intrusion-extrusion process; and to experimentally test the device on an EV. The specific focus is on harvesting the fluctuating electricity generated from nanotriboelectrification in a shock-absorber designed for an electrical vehicle, store the electricity to a portable or stationary energy storage device, integrate such a device to the EV and charge the main batteries of the car during driving.
This is a primarily experimental post for up to 3 years funded by the EU H2020 under the FET Proactive programme.
Main Duties/Responsibilities
The main responsibilities will include:
- To demonstrate a highly efficient (mechanical + thermal)-to-electrical conversion process of nanotriboelectrification during non-wetting liquid intrusion-extrusion in nanopores;
- To work with project consortium members to identify components such as transformer, supercapacitor and/or additional battery to harvest fluctuating electricity generated from nanotriboelectrification due to mechanical vibrations via a novel shock-absorber of an electrical vehicle;
- To design and construct the prototype devices, integrate the devices with the shock-absorber, and experimentally test the devices with/without the electricity from intrusion-extrusion process;
- To integrate the devices with an EV and charge the main batteries during road-test driving;
- To interact with both academic and industrial collaborators in the project teams, and build internal & external contacts and networks;
- To help with training graduate students and other group members who are working on similar areas;
- To write grant proposals and journal and conference publications;
- To organise review meetings, seminars and conferences;
- To supervise students' projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
- To assist supervisors to train researchers and students new to the laboratories and to ensure the laboratories meet health and safety requirements.
Person Specification
Essential
- A first degree in a relevant science/engineering discipline, and a PhD (or near to completion) or equivalent experience and qualifications in an area related to the main research responsibilities outlined above
- A high level of knowledge and hands-on experience in at least one of supercapacitors and batteries
- Demonstrable hands-on experimental experiences in the design and construction of relevant experimental devices and systems
- A good level of understanding of integration of mechanical, thermal and electrochemical based energy storage devices on electrical vehicles (EVs)
- A good level of understanding EV CAN bus control system and associated electrical components and power electronics
- Demonstrable prior experiences with track record in areas closely related to the main research responsibilities as outlined above
- An ability to communicate complex information clearly
Desirable
- An ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding and experiences of EVs, nanotriboelectrification, and automotive shock-absorbers would be an advantage
- Candidates with a clean driving licence and experience in driving an EV would be an advantage.
Informal enquiries can be made to Lada Zimina, email: L.Zimina@bham.ac.uk
Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community