Fixed Term Research Fellow in Solid Oxide Steam Electrolysis (12 months)

Job Summary

Innovative, inclusive and professionally-focused, Robert Gordon University (RGU) has developed its strategy and principles to focus on the significant strengths, often unique in the UK, that underpin our demand-led, transformational teaching, learning and research. 

Applications are invited for an exciting Research Fellow position under the supervision of Professor Nadimul Faisal, Professor Mamdud Hossain, and Dr Anil Prathuru in the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, UK.

The Research Fellow (Post Doctoral Research Associate) will join a dynamic research team as part of METASIS 2.0, a new collaborative EPSRC-funded project between Robert Gordon University, the University of Surrey, Aston University, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL). The project aims to advance solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOSE) technology for clean hydrogen production, leveraging high-temperature nuclear or renewable heat as a sustainable energy source.

You will contribute to the design, fabrication, and characterisation of tubular solid oxide electrolysis cells and stack, and to the development of advanced materials and modelling approaches that enhance efficiency, thermal stability, and structural integrity at high operating temperatures. Working closely with academic and project partners, you will perform both experimental and computational investigations to improve the performance and scalability of SOSE systems.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in mechanical, materials, chemical, or manufacturing engineering, or a closely related discipline. You should have:

• Proven experience in solid oxide electrochemical systems (SOEC/SOFC), including cell fabrication, testing, or modelling.
• Demonstrated skills in materials characterisation (SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC) and electrochemical analysis (EIS, I-V).
• Experience or aptitude in Multiphysics simulations (e.g. ANSYS, SOLIDWORKS).
• Understanding of research governance, safety, and HSE procedures related to hydrogen and high-temperature operations.

Experience includes manufacturing of ceramic or metallic components, system-level integration of SOSE technology, numerical model development, or operando/in-situ diagnostics during electrolysis. Evidence of a strong publication record, interdisciplinary collaboration, and independent research initiative will be advantageous.

You should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline such as mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering, or chemical engineering.

The position is based at RGU’s Sir Ian Wood Building, Garthdee Campus, Aberdeen, with occasional travel to partner institutions or project partners. The post offers excellent opportunities for career development, including student supervision, teaching support, and dissemination of research at UK and international conferences.

This is a fixed-term appointment for 12 months, commencing as soon as possible. A part-time appointment may also be considered (starting as soon possible until 30 Sept 2027).

For further information or an informal discussion about the position, please contact Professor Nadimul Faisal at N.H.Faisal@rgu.ac.uk

Employment is conditional on candidates, if deemed necessary, passing a pre-employment medical and undertaking ongoing health surveillance throughout the course of their employment.  This is required in order to support our duty of care under health and safety statute and to ensure that the candidates are able to carry out the functions required by the role.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.  Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBLE TO: Professor Nadimul Faisal

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No Supervisory Responsibilities

PURPOSE OF POST: To develop multi-stack tubular solid oxide steam electrolyser

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Design tubular solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and multi-cell stack configurations using design and simulation tools.
• Develop and optimise ceramic and metallic materials for electrodes, electrolytes, and interconnects (e.g., YSZ, GDC, LSM, LSCF, Ni-based cermets, ferritic alloys).
• Assemble multi-tube or multi-stack prototypes up to kW scale, including sealing, joining, and electrical connection of cells.
• Develop and operate high-temperature electrolysis test rigs, including gas flow, heating, and control systems for steam/electric input.
• Use advanced characterisation techniques (SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC, Raman, neutron diffraction) to study microstructure, phase composition, and thermal/electrochemical stability.
• Perform in-situ or operando diagnostics (e.g., high-temperature EIS, gas analysis) to monitor degradation and interface evolution.
• Work closely with academic and industrial partners (e.g., University of Surrey, Aston University, UK NNL) to coordinate testing, modelling, and materials supply.
• Ensure all activities comply with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations relevant to hydrogen, high-temperature, and pressurised systems.
• Publish research articles and present outcomes at national and international conferences, industry workshops, and academic forums.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Membership

A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of solid oxide electrochemical systems, including both SOEC (electrolysis) and/or SOFC (fuel cell) modes.
• Advanced knowledge of ceramic and metallic materials used in high-temperature electrochemical devices (e.g., YSZ, GDC, LSM, LSCF, Ni-based cermets).
• In-depth understanding of electrochemical kinetics, impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, and current-voltage (I-V) characterisation.
• Knowledge of high-temperature thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy calculations, and water-splitting reaction energetics.
• Familiarity with material characterisation tools such as SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC, and mechanical testing for materials validation.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific findings effectively through written reports, journal articles, and oral presentations.
• Understanding of project planning, risk assessment, and research governance in laboratory environments.
• Capacity to take initiative, manage priorities independently, and contribute proactively to project milestones, along with the ability to conduct collaborative work with project partners and other PDRAs at partners universities

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in conducting experimental research involving solid oxide electrochemical systems, such as SOECs and/or SOFCs, including cell fabrication, operation, or performance testing.
• Hands-on experience performing electrochemical characterisation using techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, and I-V analysis for evaluating cell or electrode behaviour.
• Demonstrated use of advanced characterisation techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRD, TGA/DSC, and mechanical testing to assess microstructure, composition, and thermal stability of materials or components.
• Evidence of effective scientific communication, including preparation of technical reports, journal publications, and conference presentations within the field of materials or electrochemical energy systems.
• Experience in laboratory project management, including experimental planning, risk assessment, and adherence to research governance and data integrity requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe laboratory practice, with practical experience in maintaining HSE compliance when handling high-temperature, pressurised, or hydrogen-related experimental setups.

 

DESIREABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Membership

Postdoctoral experience

Knowledge:

• Demonstrable skill in application of Multiphysics simulation packages (e.g., ANSYS - thermomechanical modelling (FEM), CAD/SOLIDWORKS).
• Understanding of system-level integration of SOSE technology.
• Ability to develop or modify numerical models for performance prediction, degradation behaviour, or heat/mass transport optimisation.

Experience:

• Experience developing or modifying numerical models for performance prediction, degradation behaviour, or heat and mass transport optimisation within electrochemical devices or reactors.
• Experience contributing to interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects, particularly within multi-institutional or industry-linked consortia focused on energy, hydrogen, or materials innovation.
• Evidence of engagement in knowledge exchange or outreach activities, such as collaboration with industry, participation in workshops, or contributions to professional or academic networks in the hydrogen or clean energy sectors.

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Analysis and Research - Experience of developing hypotheses and concepts to explain data, events and phenomena, and reporting findings to a wider community

Behaviour 3: Pastoral Care and Welfare - Experience of calming and reassuring those with work/study related problems who may be experiencing distress and dealing with difficult welfare situations or confidential matters

Behaviour 4: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation

Behaviour 5: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.

Behaviour 6: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others