Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) - #1777748

We are seeking applications for a Post doctoral Research Associate to join the Department of Natural Sciences on a fixed term basis.

About the Faculty & Department

Our Faculty of Science and Engineering epitomises the forward-looking transformations taking place at the Manchester Metropolitan University. The faculty is poised to be one of the leading research institutes in the UK. You will be joining a vibrant community of researchers deeply passionate about sustainable energy, environmental issues, artificial intelligence and sports science amongst others.

At the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre we explore technologies and skills to enable society to transition to a sustainable future powered by renewable energy. You will part of a research community at the fore front of developing hydrogen technologies, technologies to convert carbon dioxide into sustainable chemicals and other electrochemical processes for wider electrification of industry.

About the Project

HySEas is a Clean Hydrogen Partnership project through the HORIZON programme investigating direct electrolysis of seawater to generate green hydrogen. You will join a consortium of 8 partners from 6 countries dedicated to deliver cutting edge materials and devices that has the potential to transform the energy and chemicals sector.

About the Role & Team

The project will be jointly supervised by Dr Yagya Regmi, Prof Laurie King and Dr Justyna Kulczyk-Malecka at Manchester Met. This new project will be highly collaborative and interactive, and so you will have the opportunity to learn these techniques from our highly supportive and skilled research group at the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and the facilities at the partner sites within HySEas. Our research group is housed within the state-of-the-art £117M Dalton building facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesise catalysts and other materials used in water electrolysers.


• Characterise synthesised catalysts using microscopy, X-ray crystallography, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and other analytical tools.


• Undertake electrochemical characterisation of the prepared catalysts.


• You will be trained on all required synthesis, materials and electrochemical testing methods and characterisations.


• Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate and proactively contribute to decision making.


• The project will involve the use of some hazardous materials during processing and testing, which will require the wearing of protective clothing and equipment (which will be provided).

Key Skills & Experiences

• Plan and prioritise own day to day work and resources to achieve agreed research objectives, leading the work of small teams of research assistants and/or research students as required.


• Undertake quality research and detailed analysis, and present findings to appropriate internal and external groups, such as research presentations, as required.


• Write up results of own research (including reports) and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.


• Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.


• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through journals, conferences and seminars, in order to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community.


• Participate in the development of internal and external partnerships and networks in order to disseminate information, share best practice, generate income, establish opportunities for collaborative work, and to enhance the reputation of the University.


• Work with partners and external agencies on collaborative projects that benefit both the department and the Faculty.


• Keep relevant stakeholders updated on progress, and be responsible for exploring their needs, and acting on feedback, in order to ensure that research delivers against their requirements.


• Collaborate with senior academic staff to organise, manage and carry out appropriate research.


• Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.


• Actively participate as a member of the research team, providing mutual support to colleagues to achieve successful completion of projects.

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you!

Application Process

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal.


• For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Dr Yagya N Regmi on *******@mmu.ac.uk


• Please be aware that only applications including a cover letter may be considered at shortlisting stage.

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

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