Research Associate In Techno-Economic Analysis Of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.  Job Summary We are looking for candidates with a range of skills in the performance assessment of chemical/electrochemical/mineral based reaction systems, this may include chemical/process engineering, environmental engineering, electrochemical engineering, mathematical modelling. There are also opportunities to participate in our other projects in CO2 capture, utilisation (and storage) and negative emission technologies. Detailed Description The successful applicants must hold a PhD (or about to obtain) in chemical/mechanical/environmental engineering, mathematics, or related discipline (e.g., applied mathematics, computing) with background in techno-economic analysis and/or energy/low-carbon system analysis. We will also consider applicants who hold a postgraduate degree with substantial experience in technology design or assessment. Key duties and responsibilities The post holder is required to: Develop performance assessment frameworks for CO2 capture and utilisation and/or for CO2 removal technologies.  Develop and/or apply numerical models of various CO2 capture, conversion, and/or removal technologies and systems (e.g., mineral carbonation, electrochemical conversion) to assess their technical performance.  Undertake technoeconomic assessments.  Synthesise the results of above analysis methods into comprehensive evaluations of CCU and/or CDR approaches, including impacts on the wider industrial, energy, and decarbonisation landscape.  Work collaboratively with the team to achieve the above project goals and support team members in achieving theirs. Essential Criteria  Applicants must have: PhD (or about to obtain)/ substantial professional experience in technology assessment and/or numerical modelling (Chemical, environmental or mechanical engineering or related discipline).   Solid background and relevant experience in techno-economic assessment of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies (CCS, CCU, biofuels, CDR).  Strong experience in integration of process experimental data, thermo-physical data and modelling approaches.  Appropriate high-quality publication record for stage in career. Particularly writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.  Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation.  Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative including time management, problem solving, flexibility.  Ability to manage research deliverables and partners contributing to those.  Experience working in an interdisciplinary field, where gaining knowledge of new areas and techniques is a constant requirement.  Must be able to work as part of a team at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.  Excellent communication and presentation skills, and ability to communicate complex information clearly.   Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.