Research Associate in Mechanical Engineering

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position focused on the development and application of a chemical reactor for the analysis of heterogeneous reactive mixtures by novel high-resolution NMR techniques. Funded by The Leverhulme Trust, through a grant on “NMR Method for in Situ Monitoring of Heterogeneous Reactions”, the appointment will be made as part of a broad project including 2 other researchers in NMR Spectroscopy and Organic Chemistry (Department of Chemistry).

The Research Associate will work closely with Dr Julien R. Landel at the Department of Mathematics, who has strong expertise in experimental fluid mechanics and multiphase flows. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the research group of Dr Ralph Adams and Prof. Jordi Bures, ICREA Professor at ICIQ (Spain) and a Visiting Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Manchester. This project offers an excellent opportunity for a suitable candidate to build a broad skill set in mechanical engineering and fluid mechanics, with applications in chemistry and NMR spectroscopy.

The aim of the project is to design, test and develop a stirring fluid mechanics device for the mixing of heterogeneous mixtures for chemical analysis by NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy is the most advanced techniques to analyse chemical reactions. However, it is currently limited to homogeneous (single phase) liquid mixtures. In this research project, we are exploring novel chemical reactor designs, based on existing prototypes developed in the research groups of Landel, Bures and Adams, in order to overcome limitations in NMR spectroscopy for heterogeneous reactive mixtures. In collaboration with the two other researchers in chemistry and NMR spectroscopy, this project has the potential to unlock the use of NMR spectroscopy for a broad range of applications, in order to allow the identification, quantification and structure determination of all chemical components in heterogenous mixtures. Indeed, in many areas (e.g. chemical process development, quality control, food science, metabolomics, polymer science) the majority of the samples of interest are heterogeneous mixtures, and here NMR could play a pivotal role due to its non-destructive and quantitative nature.

The project lies at the interface between mechanical engineering, experimental fluid mechanics, chemistry and NMR spectroscopy. This position follows on from a previous appointment where a number of prototypes have already been developed. The main tasks will be to continue designing, developing and testing experimental prototypes in order to identify the best designs for the scientific objectives described above. A key component of the project will be to collaborate closely with the two other researchers in chemistry and NMR spectroscopy to understand how the mixing properties of the device can affect NMR measurements of heterogeneous chemical mixtures, based on the data collected by the other researchers, and thus refine the design of the stirring device. The PDRA will work with designers and technician to design and build prototypes. The PDRA will also perform some study the mixing properties of the stirring device for a range of reactive and non-reactive heterogeneous multiphase (e.g. liquid-liquid, liquid-particles) mixtures, using image-based analysis techniques (dye visualisation, PIV and PTV techniques) to assess the fluid mechanics and mixing properties of the device. The data collected will be analysed with softwares such as Matlab.

You must have, or expect shortly to obtain, a PhD in mechanical engineering or fluid mechanics, or a closely related field. You will join a lively international group of researchers; excellent team-working and interpersonal skills are required. You will share responsibility for practical organisation of equipment and resources within the laboratory. You will be expected to contribute weekly group meetings and prepare reports and research articles. You will be given opportunities to present work at national and international conferences.

Please indicate the contact details of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed two or three pages.

The Department of Mathematics is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science; the Department’s website documenting activity in this area can be found at: http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/ . The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

The Department of Mathematics is fully committed to Athena SWAN principles including the promotion of gender equality in science and is a supporter of the LMS Good Practice Scheme. This is a full time post but applications from individuals seeking part time, job share or flexible working arrangements are also welcome.

We particularly welcome applications from women and other under-represented groups for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit.

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Julien Landel

Email: Julien.Landel@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.