Research Assistant in Interfacial Phenomena for Carbon Storage

University of Leeds - Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences - School of Chemical & Process Engineering

Location: Leeds

Salary: £33,951 to £39,906 per annum (Grade 6)

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 8th April 2026

Closes: 22nd April 2026

Job Ref: EPSPE1125

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Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Working time: 37.5 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed term (Starting from 01 May 2026, until 21st December 2026 - to complete specific time limited work)

Are you a motivated early career researcher? Do you have an interest in carbon storage technologies? Do you have an interest in surface and interfacial phenomena, multiphase fluids, or carbon storage technologies? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities?

The role holder will join a research team investigating the behaviour of liquid interfaces in brine–supercritical CO₂ systems, under reservoir-relevant pressure and temperature conditions. The role focuses on supporting experimental studies of droplet wetting and dewetting, using imaging techniques to observe droplet shape and contact-line motion.

Working with an existing high-pressure experimental setup, you will carry out laboratory experiments and collect image and interfacial data following established procedures and guidance from academic staff. You will assist with the analysis of image data to extract quantities, such as contact angle and droplet shape evolution, using established methods and software.

You will work closely with academic staff and other researchers, contributing to day-to-day experimental activities and project meetings. The role is well suited to a hands-on researcher with an interest in surface and interfacial science or experimental fluid systems.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr David Harbottle, Associate Professor
Email: D.Harbottle@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.