Academic ConnectA position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on Novel Materials for Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (Delivery).
The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
The key responsibilities and duties will explore the range of possible non-sulphate aerosols - mostly powdered ceramics with different coatings - and will consider how to create a steady flow of 1000 Bar low voidage emulsion (particle voidage greater than 40%). Alternatives include a high-pressure pump or batch filling and depressurising into a buffer / separation vessel from which a continuous emulsion flow and recycled gas flow is taken. The work will include the design and scaleup and perhaps the construction of a large-scale system which can be tested at ground level. There is no plan to test any device in the stratosphere.
Teaching/learning support, networking and planning the use of resources also takes up a small portion of this position.
The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role will include a good working knowledge of fluidization, fluid mechanics and compressible flow and an interest in practical design and experimentation. It will be helpful to have a working knowledge of multi-phase flows, and in particular of abrasive slurries. The applicant will have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Colloid Science, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science or Applied Maths - with fluid mechanics included as part of the study.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Salary Ranges:
Research Assistant: £32,546 - £35,116
Research Associate: £37,174 - £45,413
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 10 June 2028 in the first instance.