Research 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: 03-Aug-2025, 5:59:00 PM
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 ([email protected]).
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.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
- 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
- The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
- Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
- A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application
If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [email protected].
Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
University contact for general queries about the recruitment process
We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
Next Steps
Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will test the applicants’ ability to satisfy all the essential and as many of the desirable requirements as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment on a date to be confirmed.
In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply / Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- A good first degree in in Engineering with a high chemistry emphasis and content (equivalent to a UK upper 2nd class / 2:i honours degree or higher).
- A Masters in in Engineering with a high chemistry emphasis and content (equivalent to a UK MSc with Merit degree or higher).
- Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods.
- Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.
- Extensive experience in conducting high quality fundamental research in chemical materials for energy system; in material characterisation and analysis using various techniques, including FTIR, GC, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX; designing and setting up laboratory test rig and conducting experimental research.
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders.
Desirable Criteria:
- A PhD (or be close to submission) in Chemical Engineering / Energy Engineering, with demonstrable expertise in chemical material technology research or a related subject.
- Experience of conducting high quality academic research.
- Experience of preparing academic papers.
- Ability to assist in the provision of support to student projects.
- Experience of developing novel functional energy materials.
- Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.
How to Apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
What to Submit
All applicants are asked to submit:
- a CV; and
- A supporting statement or covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
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