University of Birmingham
Research Associate in heterogenous catalysis - School of Chemistry - 107634 - Grade 6
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Position Details
School of Chemistry
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2029
Closing date: 15th July 2026
Background
This role supports a project investigating the nanoconfinement of NaNH2 (sodium amide) for catalytic ammonia decomposition as a hydrogen carrier technology.
About the School of Chemistry
The School of Chemistry seeks to attract outstanding, inspirational and talented people, supporting them to succeed and celebrating their success. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in higher education. The University of Birmingham is a member institution of the Race Equality Charter, a Disability Confident Employer and contributes to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We support flexible working and studying.
Our research is driven by four core themes —Energy, Sustainability, Environment, and Health—complemented by interdisciplinary Interest Groups, serving as catalysts for emerging ideas.
This dynamic structure makes our School an exciting place to work and collaborate.
Major University investment in our subject enabled the 2024 opening of our state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building. We recently completed the strategic expansion of our academic staff, and we continue to invest in teaching and learning excellence.
As part of our collegiate community, you will demonstrate academic citizenship by cultivating generous, respectful, and supportive working relationships. You will positively influence how others succeed, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines our culture.
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Role Summary
- Work within specified research grant and/or project related to nanoconfined catalytic systems for ammonia cracking and hydrogen production
- Operate within area of materials development, characterisation, catalysis, and scaffold engineering.
- Contribute to publications and dissemination of research findings
Main Duties
- Synthesis and characterisation of confinement matrices (such as graphitic carbon nitride g-C₃N₄ and silicon nitride Si₃N₄) with tailored pore geometries.
- Perform nitrogen physisorption (BET) analysis to resolve pore size and volume distributions
- Evaluate thermal conductivity and structural stability of scaffolds under ammonia
- Carry out melt infiltration to introduce sodium amide phase into nanopore structures
- Execute catalyst testing protocols to determine optimal cycling temperatures, quantify hydrogen production, and assess activation energy reduction
- Conduct long-term durability assessments over 20+ consecutive cycles with target ≥95% mass retention
- Benchmark nanoconfined systems against bulk sodium amide to elucidate nanoconfinement effects on reaction kinetics
- Correlate nanoconfinement parameters (pore geometry, surface chemistry) with catalytic kinetics to establish mechanistic models
- Present research outputs at seminars and via poster presentations
- Draft academic publications or sections thereof
- Develop or adapt experimental techniques, models, and methods as required
Person Specification
- Degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related subject area
- Proven experience with catalytic testing protocols and ammonia cracking systems
- Practical experience of applying relevant analytical and experimental skills and techniques
- Ability to analyse data and communicate results effectively in written and oral formats
- Ability to access, evaluate, and organise resources and scientific literature successfully
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively within project deadlines
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Informal Enquiries
To Fatima Abi Ghaida, email: f.abighaida@bham.ac.uk
Use of AI in Applications
We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/about/equality-diversity-inclusion
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