Postdoctoral Researcher – Green Hydrogen and Electrochemical Engineering

Job Function

The Postdoctoral Researcher (Green Hydrogen and Electrochemical Engineering) will conduct advanced research on green hydrogen production and electrochemical engineering under the supervision and strategic direction of the ESRC Director. This role involves designing and conducting electrochemical research (including water electrolysis, electrocatalyst development, and fuel cell/electrolyzer testing), contributing to research funding applications, supporting the supervision and guidance of graduate and research assistants, and producing high-impact publications that strengthen the Centre’s international research profile. The role also contributes to developing collaborations with international institutions and industry on hydrogen and electrochemical energy technologies.

Responsibilities

• Research Execution: Conduct independent and collaborative research on green hydrogen production technologies (e.g., PEM, AEM, and solid oxide water electrolysis) and electrochemical engineering applications, including the design of experimental campaigns and identification of novel research directions.
• Electrochemical Experimentation: Design, conduct, and analyze electrochemical experiments (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry/chronopotentiometry) to evaluate electrocatalysts, electrolyzers, and related electrochemical systems.
• Hydrogen Production & Testing: Oversee the operation, performance evaluation, and optimization of laboratory-scale water electrolysis and/or fuel cell setups, ensuring rigorous experimental protocols, safe handling of hydrogen and electrochemical equipment, and accurate data records.
• Grant & Proposal Support: Contribute to the preparation of competitive research proposals and funding applications in green hydrogen, electrochemical engineering, and related sustainable energy areas, including formulating research questions, methodologies, budgets, and project timelines, in coordination with national and international partners.
• High-Impact Publication: Author and co-author research papers for submission to high-impact, peer-reviewed (Q1/top-quartile) journals in electrochemistry, energy, and sustainability, and present research outcomes at international conferences and workshops.
• Guidance & Collaboration: Provide day-to-day technical guidance to research assistants, graduate students, and interns on electrochemical techniques, experimental safety, and research methodology, supporting capability development within the Centre.
• Partnerships and Centre Contribution: Support ESRC’s projects, activities, events, and collaborations with international research partners and industry stakeholders, while contributing to the Centre’s strategic planning, reports, outreach materials, and overall visibility.

Experience

Recently completed PhD (within approximately the last 1–3 years) with research experience in green hydrogen, electrochemistry, or electrochemical engineering, and evidence of active contribution to research projects and publications.

Skills

1. Advanced knowledge of theories, mechanisms, and engineering principles underpinning green hydrogen production and electrochemical energy systems research, including catalyst development, electrolyzer/fuel cell design, energy conversion and storage, and the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs).
2. Proficiency in research design, advanced electrochemical characterization, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results within green hydrogen and electrochemical engineering contexts.
3. Competence in the application of AI, machine learning, computational modelling, and simulation tools for the design, optimization, performance prediction, and digitalization of green hydrogen and electrochemical energy systems.
Familiarity with academic publishing standards and conventions, research grant writing, and international research collaboration practices.

Qualification

1. PhD in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, with a research focus on green hydrogen production, electrochemistry, or electrochemical engineering.
2. Demonstrated expertise in green hydrogen production technologies (e.g., alkaline, PEM, AEM, or SOEC water electrolysis) and a strong fundamental and applied understanding of electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering, including electrocatalysis, electrode/electrolyte materials, and reactor or cell design. Experience with deep eutectic solvents and/or ionic liquids is an advantage.
3. Hands-on proficiency with electrochemical workstations and characterization techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, EIS, chronoamperometry/chronopotentiometry, RDE/RRDE), as well as familiarity with relevant data analysis and modeling tools (e.g., Origin, MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, or equivalent).
4. Track record of publications as first author in high-impact, peer-reviewed (Q1/top-quartile) journals in electrochemistry, energy, or related fields, evidencing an active research profile.
5. Hands-on experience with the fabrication, assembly, and testing of electrolyzers, fuel cells, or related electrochemical devices, including electrode preparation and electrocatalyst synthesis.
6. Strong communication, scientific writing, and teamwork skills, with the ability to lead and work within multidisciplinary and international research collaborations.
7. A strong interest in contributing to research grant applications and interdisciplinary energy transition, net zero, and hydrogen economy initiatives is highly desirable.