Position in Development of Novel High-Performance Catalysts for Aqueous Phase Reforming (MSCA-ITN BIKE Project) with Johnson Matthey

Vacancy K38: Early Stage Researcher
Duration: Full-time for 36 months
Location: Johnson Matthey Technology Centre Sonning Common, Reading, RG4 9NH, UK

An EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) position is available in the development of novel high-performance catalysts for aqueous phase reforming at Johnson Matthey (JM), Sonning Common, UK.

Project Description:
The successful applicant will carry out European Union-funded research within the “BIKE: BImetallic catalysts Knowledge-based development for Energy applications” Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (lTN) project (Grant agreement no. 813748), which offers unique doctoral training and research opportunities. The BIKE project will develop the next generation of bimetallic catalyst for green and blue hydrogen production. The programme will combine a range of complementary, multidisciplinary research expertise comprising: computational predictive modelling; operando characterization of catalysts; tenable, robust, and scalable preparative methods of bimetallic nanoparticles; catalyst testing and operation; and reactor/process design. The BIKE network comprises 10-member institutions and partner organisations, spanning both academia and industry, located in Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In total, 14 ESRs will be recruited across the BIKE network and each will conduct research on a specific, but closely related research area. The ESRs will work in areas spanning heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry, hydrogen economy, and materials and chemical sciences within a framework of highly specialized research groups from leading European academic and industrial laboratories. The network will provide outstanding inter-disciplinary training opportunities through hands-on research projects, international lab exchanges, industrial secondments, and specialist workshops and conferences. ESRs are generously funded with many opportunities for travel and networking.

Are you the ideal candidate?
You will:
• Have less than 4 years (full time equivalent) research experience and not already been awarded a PhD degree; be highly motivated towards a PhD and for
• Hold a master’s degree in Chemistry or related field
• Have not resided or carried out your main activity in the UK for more than twelve months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment
• Have proficiency in English (English certificates will be required, such as IELTS and TOEFL)
• Have demonstrated ability and self-motivation in heterogeneous catalysis/materials synthesis and characterization, together with ability to think analytically and creatively
• Have good communication and team-working skills
• Have good computational skills including use of Microsoft Office (or equivalent) for text and data manipulation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled for study as a doctoral/PhD student in the Department of Chemistry, Durham University, UK. As a result, the candidate will be expected to satisfy all the requirements for PhD study at Durham University and will be expected to spend short periods of time in Durham. Further details of the entry requirements can be found at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/entrance_requirements/

How to apply:
A full job description is available on request from Stephen.poulston@matthey.com. If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please apply online @ www.matthey.com/careers.