Postdoctoral Research Associate in onboard carbon capture and storage

The Department of Engineering at Durham University seeks to appoint a Grade 7 Post-Doctoral Research Associate in onboard carbon capture and storage to contribute to an active research environment led by Professor Tony Roskilly's Energy Systems Group.

The position is funded within the UK Clean Maritime Research Hub with financial support from the Department for Transport and EPSRC to support policy-driven research on life cycle greenhouse gas intensity of marine fuels.

Key Responsibilities:

To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature relating to onboard carbon capture and storage, life cycle assessment, carbon accounting, and circular economy to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.

To prepare and deliver presentations on research activities, methods and findings to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.

To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder, including developing accounting frameworks that track carbon sources and sinks; defining accounting rules and developing modelling tool development; performing simulation and undertaking case studies.

To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify knowledge and data gaps, develop robust and transparent accounting frameworks and methodologies, and advance the research portfolio in onboard carbon capture and storage.

To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to obtain technical evidence, improve understanding and form relationships for future research collaboration.

To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects, and maintain clear records of data sources, assumptions, methods, models, and research outputs.

To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.

To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, and by attending relevant training and development courses.

Person Specification — Essential Criteria:

Qualifications: A PhD (or be close to submission) in Marine, Mechanical, Chemical, Systems or Environmental Engineering, or a related subject.

Experience: Experience in compiling, analysing and interpretating complex datasets, and conducting attributional and consequential life cycle assessment of marine energy systems. Experience in carbon accounting and the traceability of fossil, biogenic and atmospheric carbon sources and sinks, assessing carbon capture, interim storage, offloading, transport, permanent storage and captured CO₂ utilisation pathways through synthetic and recycled-carbon fuels using life cycle approaches. Demonstrable ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams to deliver research objectives and outputs. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

Skills: Demonstrable ability to develop transparent and robust methodologies, models using professional software, and analytical frameworks to inform decision making. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Person Specification — Desirable Criteria:

Experience: Experience in integrating circular economy concepts with life cycle assessment and implementing appropriate allocation approaches within relevant studies. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

Skills: Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

Benefits:

30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (42 days total). University closes between Christmas and New Year. Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). Cycle to work scheme, discount with local bus and train companies, and Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicle leasing. Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications. Discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. Outstanding Ofsted-rated on-site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave among the most generous in the higher education sector. Volunteering opportunities and exclusive discounts via benefits portal. Assistance with relocation costs and visa costs where applicable.