Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585)

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months with a possible extension to 36 Months)

Detailed Description

The Research Associate will work on the EPSRC-funded project REVOC - Towards smart manufacturing: Responsive Gas-Solid Vortex Chambers () aimed at developingcompact, robust, and modulartechnology to intensify gas-solid processes underpinning industrial decarbonization.

The appointed candidate will work with a computational PDRA, technicians, UGs students and the project lead, , and contribute to the broader research group, xFlow – Complex Flow Technologies, meetings and activities designed to support REVOC. They will play a central role in the project driving the experimental component of the work, and the interaction with industrial partners and the advisory board. The applicant will develop and commission new facilities, liaise with mechanical workshops to prototype vortex chambers, and study the dynamic behaviour of centrifugal gas-solid fluidized beds.

REVOC will introduce for the first time, the means to control externally the structure of a gas-solid vortex (imagine particles swirling in a strong tornado) to optimise mixing in a gas-solid reactor, adapting its operation “on the fly” to changing targets, loading and feedstock. This new paradigm can transform a powerful technology platform emerging in Europe [,,] and the US [], into ahigh-efficiency low-capital solutionthat is broadly applicable for gas-solid operations. REVOCs can boost efficiency in catalytic reactors for CO2 valorisation, enable new energy generation and storage devices (e.g. looping, TCES) and Power-to-X processes (e.g. solar reactors), and intensify manufacturing of fast-moving consumer goods FMCGs (e.g. surface treatment, drying, coating). For further details regarding the technology, consult the xFlow vacancy .

About the Environment

Heriot-Watt University has a broad reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. This position is based within EPS, . EPS has a well-established international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology. The energy transition is a strategic research priority for Heriot-Watt, and the core of a newly created Global Research Institute focused in sustainable engineering, .

The applicant will join us to work on a EPSRC project funded at xFlow - Complex Flow Technologies, a research group led by by and . xFlow focuses on the development of advanced process technology for the energy transition, applying a combination of multiscale experimentation and computational techniques to design advance process unit operations, and digital modelling tools. ‍

The appointed candidate will work alongside a computational PDRA, electrical and mechanical technicians, UGs students and the project lead, Dr Victor Francia. They will gain a direct exposure to industry via our advisory board, comprising expert academics across the UK and senior R&D figures from our US partner, PSRI and UK based multinational companies in the energy and FMCGs sectors. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Design gas-solid vortex chambers, test and characterise new prototypes. Establish experimental facilities liaising with technicians and external industry partners. Design, implement and test new control systems for gas-solid vortex technology. Design and carry out flow visualization experiments (PIV) in gas-solid flows. Collaborate with computational scientists to validate models and optimize designs. Develop risk assessments, COSHH forms and standard operating procedures. Present research, and plans, at advisory boards, internal and external meetings. Disseminate research via publication of scientific papers, and presentation in seminars and conferences. Participate in xFlow’s group meetings, workshops, boards, and outreach program. Provide guidance to technicians, students, and others working under the REVOC team.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

Degree-level qualification in a relevant area of Engineering or Physics. Doctorate degree (PhD, EngD) in mechanical / industrial / chemical engineering or a related field. Strong expertise in experimental flow mechanics. Ability for prototyping, setting and testing flow devices. Inter-personal skills, a can-do attitude, and a problem-solving mindset.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in flow visualization or particle image velocimetry. Experience in automation. Experience in turbomachinery.

After completing this project, you will be:

An expert engineer in multiphase flow. An applied scientist able to bring fundamental research into design. A proven innovator with experience developing technology for the energy transition. A proven manager, able to combine manufacturing and experimentation in R&D. Equipped with transferrable skills i.e., design, prototyping, control, PIV, data analysis. Used to interact with industry, participate in conferences and disseminate your work. Ready to pursue senior R&D positions in industry or enter an academic career.