ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated researcher, with an interest in working at the interface of chemistry and reactor design & development. The vision of this project is taking a promising new reactor technology, the Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR) from the lab into industry to enable commercialisation of resource efficient chemistry to align with the UK NetZero 2050.
This project will harness the advantages of the SMDR to develop three case studies to scale-up resource efficient chemistry demonstrating: (i) enzyme catalysis, (ii) photochemical synthesis and (iii) plastic recycling. Enzymes, due to their selectivity show promise to synthesise complex chemicals at ambient conditions, including pharmaceuticals, Visible light allow for the direct conversion of solar energy into chemical energy as it removes the need to use photovoltaic devices to generate electricity for use in heating in chemical synthesis. Thirdly, catalytic breakdown of plastics into their constituent monomers can be reused to develop products, with properties that match those of virgin polymer.
The PDRA will work closely with other researchers from the department of Chemistry, the Institute for Mathematical Innovation and at the University of Nottingham. There is also an industrial advisory board to provide a commercial perspective.
Evaluation of the three case studies in a single and novel multi-disc SMDR.

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate the following:

• A PhD in a relevant subject area.
• Extensive lab experience, preferably with catalytic reaction systems.
• Prior experience or a demonstrable interest in working at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering and a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational and presentation skills