Imperial College London
Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Earth Science and
Engineering
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Job Family/Grade:
Level B, Academic and Research
Responsible to:
Dr P.S. Fennell
Key Working Relationships:
Dr Paul Fennell, Energy Engineering
Purpose of the Post
You will take part in a national project on oxyfuel combustion. Youwill interact with
academic partners as part of the EPSRC-E.ON OxyCap UK project.
Oxyfuel combustion is a promising carbon capture technology, within which Imperial
College conducts world-leading research. This project involves multiple UK partners.
The aim of the research at Imperial College is to push forwards the technology to
commercialisation, specifically by investigating the properties of ash particles
deposited during combustion, and their suitability for the manufacture of cement.
The Research Associate will work with colleagues at a number of UK institutions
including the Universities of Leeds, Edinburgh, Cranfield, Nottingham and Sheffield
and will:





Investigate the properties of ash using scanning electron microscopy and
other basic analytical techniques
Investigate the suitability of ashes for cement manufacture
Liaise with other universities within the consortium to obtain samples
Disseminate results by publishing journal papers in the highest rated
international journals
Present at national and international meetings and conferences
In addition, you will liaise with industry partners as well as other relevant parties
within the UKCCSRC (UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre) and
APGTF (Advanced Power Generation Technology Forum).
Key Responsibilities
Research

To undertake a brief literature survey at the highest international standard
within Chemical and Process Engineering, particularly in the context ash of
ash deposition within oxyfuel carbon capture;






To investigate ash deposits using a variety of techniques to the highest
international standards;
To investigate the potential of such deposits to be used in cement
manufacture;
Assist Dr Fennell with the day-to-day running of his group;
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;
Establish a network of academic (national and international) and industrial
contacts, liaise with other key stakeholders in the project and travel regularly
to such meetings as are necessary for the purposes of the project.
Reporting

To 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.
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
Knowledge and Experience





A proven track record in conducting high quality research in a relevant field,
as evidenced by innovative publications in peer reviewed journals;
Experience in combustion science and ash formation / deposition;
Experienced in analysis of experimental data and standard experimental
techniques;
The potential to undertake and lead original research in these areas and to
publish at the highest international level;
Experience in analytical scanning electron microscopy.
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;
A proven ability to conduct experiments safely, with potentially hazardous
experimental materials and equipment;
A willingness to undertake any necessary training and career development for
the role;
A willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad.
Ability to program in Matlab.
Education and Qualifications


You should have, or be about to receive, a PhD (or equivalent) in an
appropriate science or engineering subject, directly related to the areas given
above.
Minimum 2:1 honours degree in an engineering subject.