Job Description
Salary:
Research Assistant: £29,619 to £31,411 per annum
Research Associate: £32,348 to £33,314 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 04 April 2023
The Role
We are seeking to appoint a PDRA to an experimental position on coating particles with finer powders, in collaboration with Johnson Matthey, on the project “Development of a pilot scale coating regime map”.
We have previously utilised computational models to develop a regime map for dry powder coating in a small, agitated vessel. This regime map identifies regions of high-quality coating (based on surface area coverage) considering the interdependency of material properties and process parameters. As such, with known material properties, the user can understand the mixing speed and time required to achieve high-quality coating. In this project the regime map will be tested and further developed for a pilot scale ribbon mixer at the project partner.
You will carry out powder characterisation, mixing experiments and powder sampling. Laboratory experience is essential, with experience in these areas being highly desirable. There is scope to carry out further computer modelling of particle systems (using the Discrete Element Method - DEM) to aid the refinement of the regime map. As such, experience in DEM or other modelling is desirable, but not essential.
You should hold a PhD (or nearing completion) in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, civil engineering or related disciplines.
You will be joining the Process Intensification Group in the School of Engineering, a world-leading group in PI research. You will directly join the research group of Dr Colin Hare, who has expertise in powder technology, including flowability, mixing, coating, breakage, and computer modelling.
To find out more about current projects and the team please see the links below:
Precise deposition of complex particles for structured functional products: https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/V003070/1
Colin Hare: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/staff/profile/colinhare.html
Process Intensification Group: http://pig.ncl.ac.uk/
We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. Additionally, the post is eligible for blended working between campus and home.
The appointment is fixed-term, tenable until 30th September 2023 in the first instance and is full-time (37 hours per week).
To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples.
For informal queries please contact Dr. Colin Hare, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, at: Colin.Hare@newcastle.ac.uk .
Key Accountabilities
The appointee will work collaboratively with researchers, technical staff and wider group members under the supervision of Dr Colin Hare
The successful applicant will research and develop a dry powder coating regime map for pilot scale mixing operations
The appointee will have to effectively communicate research results to colleagues, project partners, and potentially to the wider research community through conference presentations and journal papers
The appointee will take a role in the general management and running of powder related research in the Process Intensification Group
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Ability to carry out original research
Ability to write research journal papers
Ability to communicate and present the research outcomes in front of academic and industrial colleagues
Excellent written and oral English language skills
Effective time management and an ability to work to deadlines
Desirable
Understanding and experience of particle properties and their influence on mixing and coating
Understanding and experience of computational modelling, in particular using the Discrete Element Method
Attributes and Behaviour
Willingness to contribute to the supervision of Undergraduate, Masters, and PGR students, and to take a role in lab management
Ability to work under supervision, in a collaborative manner with team colleagues at all levels. Demonstrable experience of working as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team
An ability to work independently under the leadership of the investigator and make decisions within the remit of the role and take responsibility for the outcomes
Committed to embedding the values of equality and diversity in all aspects of your work
Ability to prioritise, plan and execute tasks within a work plan
Excellent time management ability, organisations skills and initiative in planning research and balancing competing priorities
Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word
Good inter-personal skills with the ability to converse with local and international stakeholders (project partners, industry, public) as a representative of the school
Willingness to travel locally, to the project partner in Billingham, and a readiness to work flexibly by mutual arrangement
Qualifications
PhD or close to completion of a PhD in a relevant subject (chemical engineering, physical chemistry, civil engineering or related disciplines)
Newcastle is an inclusive global University community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.
The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 25184
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