University of Nottingham
Research Associate in Plasma Modelling (Fixed Term)
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Area
Chemical & Environmental Engineering
Location
Jubilee Campus
Salary
£35,608 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date
Tuesday 28 July 2026
Reference
ENG1845326
About the role
We are looking for a talented and motivated research associate in chemical and reaction engineering, to join an exciting EPSRC-funded project and work on non-equilibrium plasma modelling of ammonia synthesis. This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for 24 months initially, with the possibility of extension for up to another 12 months.
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Yaoyao Zheng, the project lead, to develop multi-scale models that describe plasma-driven ammonia synthesis. The project aims to improve our understanding of plasma-catalytic processes and accelerate the development of sustainable ammonia production technologies.
You will develop and implement physics-based models using tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, integrating plasma chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and gas-solid interactions. Depending on your experience and interests, there may also be opportunities to contribute to plasma reactor design and collaborate with experimental researchers.
To be considered, applicants should submit:
- An up-to-date CV (3 pages maximum)
- A covering letter that clearly outlines their suitability for the role
- The online application
About the team
You will join the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and become part of a growing team focused on resilient energy technologies and systems. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative research environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute their ideas and develop their career.
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About you
You should have:
- A PhD (or be close to completion) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in plasma modelling or computational modelling of reactive systems.
- Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis or gas-solid interactions.
- Experience with modelling software such as COMSOL or equivalent simulation tools.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
What we offer
In addition to joining an ambitious and exciting research project, we offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
- Access to training, mentoring, and career development opportunities
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate
- Access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes, and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website.
What next
Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.
Your working hours will be (36.25 hours per week). If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application.
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Please contact Yaoyao Zheng (Yaoyao.Zheng@nottingham) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
It is a condition of this post that satisfactory basic disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.
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Further details:
Job Description/Role Profile
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring, and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values, and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us, and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.
We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.
Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.
We welcome applications from UK, Europe, and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.
Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
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