Research Associate in heterogenous catalysis – School of Chemistry – 107634 – Grade 6 Part-time NEW

Job Description

This role supports a project investigating the nanoconfinement of NaNH2 (sodium amide) for catalytic ammonia decomposition as a hydrogen carrier technology.

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.

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

Informal enquiries to Fatima Abi Ghaida, email: f.abighaida@bham.ac.uk