Research Associate in Plasma Modelling

Salary

£35,608 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Chemical & Environmental Engineering

Jubilee Campus

Friday 07 August 2026

ENG
1845326

We are looking for a talented and motivated research associate in chemical and reaction engineering to join an exciting EPSRC-funded project and work on non‑equilibrium plasma modelling of ammonia synthesis. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term appointment for 24 months initially, with the possibility of extension for up to another 12 months.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Yaoyao Zheng, the project lead, to develop multi‑scale models that describe plasma‑driven ammonia synthesis. The project aims to improve our understanding of plasma‑catalytic processes and accelerate the development of sustainable ammonia production technologies.

You will develop and implement physics‑based models using tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, integrating plasma chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and gas‑solid interactions. Depending on your experience and interests, there may also be opportunities to contribute to plasma reactor design and collaborate with experimental researchers.

Design, implement and validate physics‑based models for plasma‑driven ammonia synthesis; integrate plasma chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and gas‑solid interactions; support the EPSRC project deliverables; collaborate with experimental researchers and contribute to plasma reactor design as appropriate.

• an up‑to‑date CV (3 pages maximum);
• a covering letter that clearly outlines suitability for the role; and
• the online application.

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in plasma modelling or computational modelling of reactive systems.
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis or gas‑solid interactions.
• Experience with modelling software such as COMSOL or equivalent simulation tools.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment.
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including those between Christmas and New Year.
• Access to training, mentoring and career development opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.
• Access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.

Working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. If you are interested in part‑time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application.

To apply for this vacancy click “Apply Now” to complete your details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory basic disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
2) and a recipient of the Athena Swan Gold Award.

Contact Yaoyao Zheng (Yaoyao.Zheng@nottingham) for further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.