Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Thermal Energy Storage Formulation - School of Chemical Engineering

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 18 months

Closing date 26 April 2021

Role Purpose

The purpose of the post is to deliver projects related to thermal energy storage using composite phase change materials and composite thermochemical materials. The post holder will focus on materials formulation, performance enhancement, characterisation, and manufacturing. Here the thermal energy storage refers to either or both of heat and cold energy storage although the focus will be on heat storage.

The post is for 18 months in the first instance to start from May 2021.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of post holders are given in the following:

• To formulate, characterise and optimise composite phase change materials (cPCMs) and composite thermochemical materials (cTCMs) for thermal energy storage applications
• To develop and validate scale-up fabrication technologies for the cPCM and cTCM modules, and measurement of mechanical and thermal properties of the fabricated modules under different conditions particularly industrial relevant conditions
• To enhance properties and performance of the cPCMs and cTCM modules through proactive collaborations with Post 2 holder and other relevant collaborators working cPCM and cTCM devices and systems
• To interactions with both academic and industrial collaborators in the project teams, and building internal & external contacts and networks
• To help with training PhD students and other group members who are working on similar areas
• To disseminate the research through journal and conference publications
• To organise project review meetings and seminars
• To supervise student's projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• To assist supervisors to train researchers and students new to the laboratories and to ensure the laboratories to 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 solid background in fundamentals related composite thermal energy storage materials
• A high level of knowledge in materials formulation, characterisation and optimisation
• Demonstrable hands on experiences in fabrication of composite materials and scale-up of manufacturing processes
• Demonstrable prior experience and track record in areas closely related to the main research responsibilities
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Desirable

• An ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Knowledge of engineering thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, multiphase transport phenomena, materials chemistry, materials mechanics and materials modelling will be an advantage

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Yulong Ding, email: Y.Ding@bham.ac.uk

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community