Purpose of the Post
Imperial Global Singapore, Imperial College London’s formal research and innovation entity in Singapore, is seeking an experienced senior postdoctoral research fellow for the NH3-SOFC research programme on development of direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells. This programme represents a new and timely collaboration between the United Kingdom and Singapore and will be based at Imperial Global Singapore (IGS) offices, located on the campus of the National University of Singapore.
The programme aims to develop solid oxide fuel cells that can effectively and efficiently use ammonia directly as a fuel source while maintaining high performance and durability. To overcome challenges related to material compatibility, anode degradation due to nitrification, slow chemical/electrochemical processes, and performance loss, the research will explore new materials, catalysts, and cell designs. There will be two cell types of interest in this programme: i) oxygen-ion and ii) proton-conducting ceramic membrane electrolytes. The project will span the length scales, from materials discovery, including with computational approaches, through mechanical properties and microstructure optimisation to incorporation into short stacks for durability testing.
This post will be dedicated to the development of operando characterisation approaches appropriate to the development of high performance and degradation resistant electrode materials for use in either oxide ion conducting or proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells. The post holder will work closely with the computational team to analyse new candidate materials that demonstrate potential for electrocatalytic ammonia decomposition. Initial candidate materials will include high entropy oxides, nitrides and oxide nitrides, each of which have shown initial promising hydrogen production capabilities. Research will involve the structural and electrochemical characterisation of materials, including in-situ and operando methods, supporting their deployment into short stacks in collaboration with the team at Nanyang Technological University. We will also explore the potential to undertake isotopic ammonia labelling of the electrode candidates.
Candidates will be employed by Imperial Global Singapore, a research division of Imperial College London, consistently ranked within the top 5 of the QS University Rankings. Candidates will be resident and based in Singapore, but there will be opportunities for research visits to Imperial’s London-based locations, and the position is a great opportunity to gain international research experience in the South-East Asian Region.
Contract type: Full-time fixed term until 30 September 2027 (A minimum six-month extension is anticipated and potential further renewal for an additional three to five years). Post will be subject to 3 months’ probation period.
Informal enquiries are greatly welcome. You are encouraged to send an e-mail to Professor Stephen Skinner s.skinner@imperial.ac.uk.
Questions about the recruitment process, should go to the HR at Imperial Global Singapore hrigsingapore@imperial.ac.uk.
Key Responsibilities
The post-holder will be required to develop strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders and work independently in the role. They will bring technical knowledge to the programme and work with the researchers to publicise the programme. Based at IGS at CREATE Tower on the National University of Singapore’s campus in Singapore, coordination with Principal Investigators based at NTU and Imperial, as well as occasional travel to Imperial College London in the United Kingdom and synchrotron and neutron facilities will be required.
The successful applicant will perform the following roles/activities:
Research Activities and Laboratory Management
· Write progress reports and prepare results for annual report publication and presentations.
· Undertake a personal programme of research overseen by the project leads in the area of electrode materials development and characterisation for direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells
· Attend progress and management meetings as required and network with the other research groups where appropriate.
· Attend relevant national and international workshops and conferences as necessary to support the aims of the programme.
Other Duties
· Undertake any necessary training and/or development
· Undertake appropriate administration tasks
· Attend relevant meetings
· Observe and comply with all IGS policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures
· Undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out by IGS
Positions are based full time in Singapore at Imperial Global Singapore at the National Research Foundations Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) located on the campus of the National University of Singapore
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial Global Singapore is committed to equality and values diversity. IGS adheres to Imperial Values and Behaviours framework.
Person Specification
Requirements
Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following Essential (E)/Desirable (D)
Education
a PhD (or equivalent) in any field of materials science, physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline with a focus on solid oxide cell technologies; (E)
Experience
Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals (E)
Practical experience of the advanced structural and electrochemical characterisation of inorganic solid oxides for high temperature operation (E)
Experience in communicating with multiple parties in a vibrant and multidisciplinary and multinational environment (E)
Experience in working in a highly organised manner (E)
Experience in presenting key issues to senior managers and academic staff (E)
Knowledge
Technical knowledge of characterization of solid oxide cells or related/contributing research activities (E)
Knowledge of the stability and degradation phenomena prevalent in solid oxide cells (D)
Mechanistic understanding of the key process occurring in both oxide ion conducting and proton conducting solid oxide cells (D)
Skills & Abilities
Practical experience of operating one or more analytical/characterisation instruments including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron and/or neutron techniques. (E)
Expertise in the processing and analysis of microstructural data, including 2D and 3D tomography (D)
Experience of data analysis from a wide variety of analytical techniques including, but not limited to, X-ray diffraction, Electron microscopy, Electrochemical cell testing, Thermal analysis, etc (E)
Experience of relaxation-based and/or isotopic labelling techniques including the design, handling, and analysis of isotope-enriched materials and experiments for the investigation of diffusion, reaction mechanisms, transport phenomena. (D)
Highly confident and articulate with outstanding communication and persuasive skills both verbally and in writing (E)
Demonstrated ability to undertake operando structural/in-situ materials characterisation (D)
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment (E)
Ability to transfer skills and knowledge to colleagues effectively (E)
Demonstrated ability to develop and apply new concepts (E)
A creative approach to problem-solving (E)
Excellent organisational and time management skills, ability to prioritise and multi-task (E)
Ability to produce clear, concise and accurate written materials (E)
Highly motivated and enthusiastic in developing the programme (E)
Other
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative (E)
A flexible attitude towards work (E)
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times (E)
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role (E)
Willingness to travel both within the Singapore and to the United Kingdom, and other destinations as required to conduct and disseminate research (E)
Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand. (E)
Imperial Global Singapore is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to:
1) Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2) Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
3) Communicate regularly and effectively within and across teams
4) Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
5) Deliver positive outcomes
6) Develop and grow skills and expertise
7) Work in a planned and managed way
Employees are also required to comply with all IGS policies and regulations, paying special attention to:
They must also undertake specific training and assume responsibility for safety relevant to specific roles, as set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page.
IGS observes the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published.
IGS believes that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances. IGS is committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research is deemed essential, animals in are treated with full respect, and that any and all staff involved with this work show due consideration at every level. For further details, applicants are directed to:
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research/
