About the role

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the newly funded EPSRC project SOLCHEM (Integrated Photovoltaics and Electrocatalysts for Solar Chemical Production).

SOLCHEM aims to develop next-generation solar-driven technologies that convert carbon dioxide and waste glycerol into valuable chemicals. The project brings together expertise in photovoltaics, photoelectrochemistry, electrocatalysis and sustainable chemical manufacturing to create integrated devices capable of producing chemicals directly from sunlight.

We are looking for an ambitious researcher to lead the development of advanced electrocatalysts and integrated solar chemical devices. The successful candidate will work on the design, synthesis and optimisation of electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene and the selective oxidation of glycerol to lactic acid. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing efficient, inexpensive and scalable catalyst materials, while understanding the fundamental reaction mechanisms that govern catalytic activity, selectivity and stability.

The role spans catalyst development, mechanistic studies and systems integration. You will investigate catalyst structure–performance relationships using advanced physico-chemical, electrochemical and operando characterisation techniques, while developing a fundamental understanding of reaction pathways and degradation mechanisms. You will also contribute to the utilisation of direct-air-captured carbon dioxide and industrial glycerol streams for sustainable chemical production.

The project is inherently interdisciplinary and involves close collaboration across the Departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials. The successful candidate will be based within Dr Salvador Eslava's group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and will work closely with Professor Magdalena Titirici on catalyst development and Professor Ifan Stephens on electrochemical and mechanistic investigations. A central aspect of the role will be the integration of advanced electrocatalysts into photoelectrochemical devices for solar chemical production. You will develop catalytic materials and incorporate them into integrated systems alongside photovoltaic photoabsorbers, conductive carbon protection layers and reactor architectures for the direct conversion of sunlight, carbon dioxide and waste feedstocks into valuable chemicals.

You will work closely with a second Research Associate developing advanced perovskite and organic photoabsorber materials in Dr Nicola Gasparini's group, jointly integrating electrocatalysts, photoabsorbers and protective interfaces into complete photoelectrochemical devices and performing advanced operando and ex situ characterisation studies to understand device performance and reaction mechanisms. The role will also involve collaboration with a network of leading industrial and academic partners. This unique research environment provides an exceptional opportunity to gain expertise across the full technology chain, from catalyst discovery and mechanistic understanding through device engineering and reactor integration to the production of sustainable chemicals using renewable energy.

For more information on the research undertaken by the participating groups, please explore their recent publications and research webpages.

What you would be doing

• Take initiatives in the planning of your research, as well as help to direct the work of small research teams, including undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Design, synthesise and optimise electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction and glycerol valorisation and related reactions
• Investigate catalyst structure–performance relationships using advanced physico-chemical, electrochemical and operando characterisation techniques
• Develop mechanistic understanding of catalytic activity, selectivity and stability
• Integrate electrocatalysts into photoelectrochemical devices for solar chemical production
• Work closely with a second Research Associate developing advanced photovoltaic photoabsorbers
• Help manage the day-to-day operations of hosting groups
• Help run community activities, like the UK Solar Chemical Network
• Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
• Work with collaborators at Imperial to complete project objectives
• Develop contacts and research collaborations within the University and the wider community
• Prepare publications for submission to refereed journals
• Comply with the University, Division, and Unit safety practices and attend courses on safety when appropriate
• Attend relevant workshops/conferences as well as research visits to our project collaborators in the UK and abroad
• Participate actively in funding applications

What we are looking for

You must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Electrocatalysis
• Catalyst synthesis and characterisation
• CO2 reduction
• Biomass or glycerol valorisation
• Operando or in situ characterisation techniques
• Photoelectrochemistry

You should also demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• The ability to conduct independent research
• A creative and proactive approach to problem solving
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

What we can offer you

This post offers an exciting opportunity for academic career advancement within a world-leading research environment. You will join an interdisciplinary team developing technologies that address major global challenges in climate change, sustainable manufacturing and net-zero energy systems.

The successful candidate will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities for catalyst synthesis, electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry and advanced materials characterisation. The project also provides extensive opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognised researchers and leading industrial partners.

The post also offers:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 – £47,223 per annum.

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for 24 months, with options for further 18 months (42 months in total).

The successful candidate will be based primarily at Imperial's South Kensington Campus, with regular activities at the Whtie City Campus.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Salvador Eslava
s.eslava@imperial.ac.uk

To apply, please click the “” button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG03948. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: 19 July 2026, at 23:59 UK time (BST)

For technical issues when applying online please email support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

Available documents