Research Fellow in Solid Oxide Electrolysers: Fabrication & Performance

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The role

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the Energy and Materials research group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Surrey .

The position is funded by an EPSRC grant APP39869: Multi-stack tubular solid oxide steam electrolyser (METASIS 2.0). The project will be led by Dr Bahman Horri in collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU). METASIS is a collaborative research programme advancing next-generation solid oxide steam electrolyser (SOSE) technology for clean hydrogen production. Led by Robert Gordon University in partnership with the University of Surrey, Aston University, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), the project unites national and international academic and industrial partners to concentrate on innovative metasurface-engineered tubular designs, advanced ceramic manufacturing, and high-temperature performance evaluation. 

The project involves developing a mini-scale tubular high-temperature solid oxide steam electrolyser stack for efficient hydrogen production using an innovative meta-surface catalyst and cell design approach, with advanced techniques such as thermal-spray coating and screen-printing/spin-coating.

The Energy and Materials team at the University of Surrey has a strong background in synthesising, optimising, and applying advanced functional materials for energy conversion and storage. The research group is particularly interested in synthesising, characterising, and fabricating small-scale electrochemical devices to develop innovative, highly efficient water electrolysers and hydrogen-fuel energy systems for various net-zero applications. Additionally, they focus on multiscale materials modelling combined with experimental approaches for use in a range of sustainable electrochemical technologies, including fuel cells, electrolysers, and CO2 reduction.

About you

The Research Fellow will be responsible for:

(1) Synthesising, characterising, and testing active nanocomposites for the fabrication of solid oxide electrolysis cells;

(2) Fabricating cells using advanced thin-layer coating techniques (such as thermal spray coating, screen printing, spin coating, etc.) and integrating them into a mini-stack (~1 kWh system);

(3) Analysing electrochemical performance, conducting impedance measurements, and optimising the fabricated cells and stack for efficient hydrogen production via high-temperature steam electrolysis; and

(4) Assisting in publishing high-quality journal papers and/or securing intellectual property to maximise the impact of the research group/project, as well as contributing to the supervision of students within the research group (postgraduate, undergraduate, and overseas visitors).

The project involves collaboration among multiple institutions; therefore, prospective candidates are expected to have excellent teamwork skills, be open to working on multi-institutional projects, be highly experienced in managing experimental research timelines, be able to supervise or support postgraduate and undergraduate students, and capable to contribute to quality publications and collaborative research.

Candidates must hold or be near completion of a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a relevant field. Prior experience in fabricating and testing steam electrolysers and in synthesising and characterising materials for solid oxide electrolysers is essential. 

How to apply

Candidates should apply online, answer all questions on the application form carefully, and attach a curriculum vitae (detailing education, research experience, achievements, and relevant publications to date). Additionally, applicants must upload two letters of recommendation as supporting documents.

Prospective applicants may contact Dr Bahman Horri (b.aminihorri@surrey.ac.uk) if they need any further information about the post.

The interview date will be announced shortly after the advert closes.