Research Fellows in Digital and Electrochemical Engineering

University of Surrey - Chemical & Process Engineering

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

Applications are invited for up to two Research Fellows to join the Surrey Circular Economy group. The positions will be based within the school of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and will contribute to the digital tool development within two EPSRC funded projects:

• IDEA: Inverse Design of Electrochemical Interfaces with Explainable AI (grant number EP/W03722X/1) and,
• (ii) C-Circ: Accelerating the Translation of CO2 Electrolysers.

The post will be based within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (SCCE), post holders will have the opportunity to interact with the extended groups within the Surrey Circular Economy research teams as well as partners from collaborating Universities and industry. At Surrey, we adopt an integrated approach that combines experimental studies, multi-physics and data-driven modelling, explainable AI, and techno-economic analysis to advance the application of digital technologies. This approach supports the transformation of the chemical sector, the third-largest industrial direct emitter of CO2, towards improved environmental sustainability.

About you

Candidates are expected to meet the following requirements:

• PhD (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in developing multi-physics models for electrochemical processes and systems.
• Proficiency with commercial modelling software, e.g., ANYSYS Fluent, or open-source modelling platforms such as OpenFOAM or Python.

How to apply

Candidates should apply online, carefully answer all the application form questions, and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes and the relevant publications to date). As part of the application, the applicant should also upload two letters of recommendation as the supporting documents.

Prospective applicants can contact Prof. Jin Xuan (j.xuan@surrey.ac.uk) or Dr. Lei Xing (l.xing@surrey.ac.uk) if they need any specific further information on the post.

This position is initially for a duration of upto 24 months with possibility for further extension. The preferred start date would be on the 1st January, 2026.

Interviews are scheduled for 10th December.

Further details

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.