Research Fellow (KTP Associate – UoB/Gen 2 Carbon Ltd) - School of Chemical Engineering - 106035 - Grade 7

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

7/14/2025

Job Description

Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Closing date: 4th August 2025

First round interview scheduled: 18th August 2025

Final round interview scheduled: 22nd August 2025

Background

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham and Gen 2 Carbon Limited. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership project will focus on developing technically and commercially viable gas diffusion layers for high-volume applications using recycled carbon fibre, creating a circular UK supply chain for carbon fibre materials needed for water electrolyser and fuel cell components.

Please note that the successful applicant will be employed by the University of Birmingham but will be primarily based at Gen 2 Carbon Limited premises in Cannon Business Park, Darkhouse Lane, Coseley, Wolverhampton, WV14 8XQ.

About Gen 2 Carbon Limited

Gen2Carbon has developed highly efficient processes to recover the carbon fibre from carbon fibre waste. These carbon fibres can replace virgin carbon fibres with almost no loss in strength and the same electrical, thermal and corrosion- resistant properties. Gen2Carbon can then process these carbon fibres into materials that can be used in both PEM water electrolysers and fuel cells, driving our clean energy revolution

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme is a government-funded technology transfer initiative that supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates on challenging, high profile projects. Further information is available at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ktp

Role Summary

The post holder will carry out research to understand and establish a new structure-property relationship, then to develop matched surface modification and post treatment processes for gas diffusion layers (GDLs) based on recycled carbon fibres, and also harmonise operation protocols for water electrolysers and fuel cells. The research also includes the economic and life cycle analysis, and marketing plan of the fabricated GDL product, as well as identify the potential risks associated with the workplan and contingency plan.

The KTP associate will be required to work closely together with other colleagues from both Du’s group and Gen2Carbon, and work as a bridge to link the requirements of the company with the knowledge base partner. The associate also needs to work together further with the University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd. to deal with the potential IP generated from this KTP project.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Interact with both academic and industrial collaborators in the project teams, and building internal & external contacts and networks
• Help with training Master and PhD students and other group members who are working on similar areas
• Supervise student's projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels
  
  

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications/experience
  
  

Knowledge & Experience:

• A solid background in fundamentals related to proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolysers
• A high level of fabrication skills in catalyst coated membrane / membrane electrode assemblies, and single cell testing skills including polarisation curve, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cycling voltammetry
• A high level of knowledge in surface engineering, materials formulation, characterisation and optimisation
• Demonstrable prior experience and track record in areas closely related to the main research responsibilities
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
  
  

Desirable:

• A first degree in materials science/engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, or other related science/engineering discipline, and a PhD (or near to completion) or equivalent experience and qualifications in an area related to the main research responsibilities outlined above
• An ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Experience with plasma surface treatment, surface contact resistance testing, and operation with atomic force microscopy
• Experience with life cycle assessment and technical economic analysis
• Working experience with industries and public engagement
  
  

Informal enquiries to Shangfeng du, email: [email protected]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .