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Imperial College London
Department of Chemical Engineering
Job Description
Research Associate
Academic & Research, Level B
£32,750 - £41,540 per annum
South Kensington Campus
Dr Paul Fennell
Full time, fixed-term for 6 months
Key Working Relationships: Dr Paul Fennell, Energy Engineering
Purpose of the Post
The post-holder will take part in an international project funded by the G8 Research
Council. The project is focused on moving a modern cement plant towards a more efficient facility able to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, by combining biogenic fuels with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). The overall project will be based on experimental work, incorporating modelling of oxygen combustion, the replacement of air with produced O2 and recycled CO2.
The post is to provide long-term sickness cover, and will initially be for a period of six months.
The researcher will undertake the following tasks:
• To convert existing calcination (i.e., the generation of lime) apparatus at
Imperial College from using air to oxygen and CO2. Dr. Fennell’s laboratory currently produces and tests clinker and this equipment will be repurposed for high CO2 operation. It is necessary to modify the calciner with additional heating to increase operational temperatures owing to the higher CO2 levels.
• To perform oxygen calcinations beginning with synthetic then actual raw meal and focusing on reaction kinetics. These experiments are at a lower temperature (900 o C) than the kiln and are flameless, therefore lower risk.
• To progress to clinker production in a O2/CO2 environment producing solid temperatures around 1,500 o C.
• To analyse and test the properties (reactivity, surface area, mineral quality), strength testing and the quantification of trace metals in samples produced in tasks 2 & 3.
• To model the reactions in the kiln, using thermodynamics, to estimate the proportions of trace species and compare to experimental data.
Key Responsibilities

Research

Convert existing calcination (i.e., the generation of lime) apparatus at Imperial
College from using air to oxygen and CO2. Dr Fennell’s laboratory currently produces and tests clinker and this equipment will be repurposed for high
CO2 operation. It is necessary to modify the calciner with additional heating to increase operational temperatures owing to the higher CO2 levels.

Perform oxygen calcinations beginning with synthetic then actual raw meal and focusing on reaction kinetics. These experiments are at a lower temperature (900 o C) than the kiln and are flameless, therefore lower risk.

Progress to clinker production in a O2/CO2 environment producing solid temperatures around 1,500 o C.

Analyse and test the properties (reactivity, surface area, mineral quality), strength testing and the quantification of trace metals in samples produced in tasks 2 & 3.

Model the reactions in the kiln, using thermodynamics, to estimate the proportions of trace species and compare to experimental data.

Undertake a brief literature survey at the highest international standard within
Chemical and Process Engineering, particularly in the context of calcium looping and CO2 capture

Perform experiments with kilns and fluidised beds at the highest international standard

Publish the research results in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.

Present the results of this research at relevant national and international scientific and professional conferences.
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Establish a network of academic and industrial contacts, liaise with other key stakeholders in this G8 Research project and travel regularly to such meetings as are necessary for the purposes of the project.
Reporting

Meet regularly with Dr Fennell, to discuss progress of the research programme and any problems or difficulties with the research process on which experienced advice is needed.
Other Duties

Assist Dr Fennell with the day-to-day running of his group
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Undertake any necessary training as required
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Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the line manager / supervisor
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors),
Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).

Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.

Person Specification
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes:
Imperial Expectations
These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to follow:
1. Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2. Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3. Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4. Deliver positive outcomes
5. Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6. Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7. Work in a planned and managed way
Education and Qualifications
 A PhD (or equivalent) in an appropriate science or engineering subject, preferably related to the areas given above, or relevant experience working in an allied area.
Knowledge and Experience
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A proven track record in conducting high quality research, as evidenced by innovative publications in peer reviewed journals.
Experienced in high-temperature experiment design and performance for cementitious materials (e.g., fluidised beds and kilns, or similar).
Experienced in analysis of experimental data and standard experimental techniques (e.g., surface area analysis)
The potential to undertake and lead original research in these areas and to publish at the highest international level.
Experience in flowsheeting analysis, developing models of different processes and mathematics skill
Expertise in any relevant area of Chemical Engineering
Competencies, Skills and Abilities
 An effective communicator, conveying ideas and concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences through a variety of methods and media.
 A high level of analytical ability, with the potential to provide scientific leadership.
 An ability to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.
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Disciplined with a high regard for confidentiality and security at all times.
 A willingness to undertake any necessary training and career development for the role.
 A willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad.