Research Associate at Heriot-Watt University: The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, invites applications for the position of Research Associate in the CALORIE-DAC project. This fully funded, full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months involves a rigorous techno-economic analysis of absorbent-based direct air capture technology with electrochemical sorbent regeneration.
Research Associate in Techno-Economic Analysis of Solvent-Electrochemical Direct Air Capture
Designation: Research Associate
Research Area: Techno-Economic Analysis of Solvent-Electrochemical Direct Air Capture
Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
Eligibility/Qualification: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. or be about to obtain one in chemical/mechanical/environmental engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline. A background in techno-economic analysis and/ or energy/low-carbon system analysis is essential. Candidates with an undergraduate degree and substantial industrial experience in technology design or assessment will also be considered.
Job Description:
- Develop numerical models for absorbent-based direct air capture technology with electrochemical regeneration.
- Conduct global sensitivity analysis to optimize system design variables.
- Perform techno-economic analysis, including cost capital equipment and comprehensive evaluation of direct air capture technology.
- Collaborate with the team and leverage knowledge on protein engineering for direct air capture.
- Contribute to other projects in CO2 capture, utilization (and storage), and negative emission technologies.
- Engage in collaborative and individual research projects, disseminate results through publications and conferences, and update personal knowledge and skills within the specialist research area.
Education, Qualifications, and Experience:
Essential Criteria
- PhD or substantial professional experience in technology assessment and/or numerical modeling (Chemical, environmental, or mechanical engineering or related discipline).
- Solid background and relevant experience in techno-economic assessment of climate change mitigation technologies.
- Strong experience in integrating process experimental data, thermo-physical data, and modeling approaches.
- High-quality publication record, including writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
- Ability to articulate research work through technical reports, papers, and oral presentations.
- Initiative, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to manage research deliverables and partners.
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary field and excellent communication and presentation skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with modeling CO2 solvent systems and/or electrochemistry.
- Integration of results and simulations with other academic disciplines.
- Skills in writing bids for research grants, research-student or undergraduate project supervision.
- Experience of working in a Higher Education or similar environment.
Travel: This project is typically based at the Edinburgh Campus of Heriot-Watt University, with the possibility of remote work from anywhere in the UK. Some travel may be required for project meetings, workshops, or conferences.
About our Team: The Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) is an internationally leading engineering center focused on decarbonization and achieving net-zero targets. RCCS collaborates with industries, government organizations, and universities, conducting cross-disciplinary research in CCUS. The center has extensive laboratory facilities covering the entire CCUS chain and is led by Prof Mercedes Maroto-Valer.
About Heriot-Watt: Heriot-Watt University is known for world-class teaching, relevant research, and innovation. With campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, the university offers a distinctive range of degree programs in science, engineering, design, business, and languages.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post along with a full CV through the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system. The deadline for applications is midnight on 14 February 2024.
