Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
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Membrane-based Separations and Sustainability
Membrane-based separations are central to addressing major sustainability challenges, from securing critical metal supplies for the energy transition to enabling energy-efficient water treatment. Designing the next generation of these processes requires accurate thermodynamic models of concentrated brines, yet the activity and speciation of multi-ion aqueous solutions remain poorly characterised at high ionic strength. Direct experimental probes of ion solvation and ion pairing are needed to constrain these models and underpin rational membrane design and process optimisation.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Opportunity
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) at the University of Cambridge welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project building experimentally grounded thermodynamic models of concentrated brines. The research uses terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) together with electrical conductivity and other physicochemical measurements to characterise ion solvation, hydration dynamics, and ion association across composition and temperature, and to parameterise improved excess Gibbs free energy models for multi-ion aqueous mixtures.
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Key Responsibilities
- Centre your work on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and ion conductivity measurements to probe ion-solvent interactions and ion pairing in concentrated electrolyte solutions.
- Be a member of a new research group working at the interface of experimental spectroscopy, chemical thermodynamics, and membrane science.
Reporting and Collaboration
- You will report to Dr Akshay Deshmukh (PI) and Prof J. Axel Zeitler at CEB.
- Work alongside a computational PDRA, whose models you will help to constrain and validate with your measurements.
- Collaborate with international project partners as part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project.
Facilities and Ecosystem
- Access to CEB's world-leading facilities, including the Terahertz Applications Laboratory.
- Access to the broader Cambridge research ecosystem, including Cambridge Zero and the Energy Interdisciplinary Research Centre.
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Career Development
- Publish in high-impact journals.
- Generate and release well-curated experimental datasets.
- Present findings at international conferences.
- Gain experience in research leadership, grant writing, and mentoring, with support from the PI to help you achieve your career development goals.
Contract Details
- Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.
Application Process
- Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
- Please quote reference NQ50302 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
- The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Apply online
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