Academic ConnectResearch Assistant - NNZA Decarbonisation using Novel Thermochemical Technology (Job Number: 25001013)
Department of Engineering
Grade 6: - £30,805 - £31,637 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 9 months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday
Closing Date: 04-Aug-2025, 6:59:00 AM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
The Role and Department
The Department of Engineering is one of the very best UK Engineering Departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked 5th in The Complete University Guide 2026, 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in The Guardian University Guide 2025, we provide outstanding course content that equips young engineers with the problem-solving skills of the 21st century. We have a long history and tradition of Engineering. Engineering has been taught at Durham University since 1838 making it the first course of its kind in England. We have helped to shape the past and continue to shape the future.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in chemical engineering and mechanical engineering with a particular emphasis on chemical energy material characterisation. The research project “NNZA: Decarbonisation of data centres using novel thermochemical technology” is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Northern Net Zero Accelerator (NNZA) Program.
The NNZA is a £5M, four-year programme funded by the EPSRC’s Place-Based Impact Accelerator grant, aimed at driving innovation in low-carbon energy generation, storage, and end-use integration to decarbonise the North East, Teesside and Humber region. The programme is a collaboration of regional universities including Durham University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, Sunderland University, and Hull University with Newcastle University as the lead institution.
The ideal candidate will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on chemical energy materials. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct high-quality, experimental research aimed at demonstrating thermochemical energy systems for heating and cooling applications. The Research Assistant will directly work with Dr Huashan Bao, Dr Zhiwei Ma and Professor Tony Roskilly in the Department of Engineering.
This post is fixed term for 9 months as the project is time limited and will end on 31st May 2025.
The post-holder is employed to work on research / a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his / her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas / adaptation and development of research protocols.
The successful applicant will, ideally, be in post by 1 September 2025.
Contact Information
Department contact for academic-related enquiries
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Dr Huashan Bao (huashan.bao@durham.ac.uk).
Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help
Department of Engineering - Durham University
Thermal Energy – Durham University
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
Typical role responsibilities:
- To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
- To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
- To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
- To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
- To contribute to the planning of research projects.
- To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.
- To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
- To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.