Overview
Job Title: PDRA in Scalable Thermochemical Reactors & Processes – Energy & Fuel Conversion
Job Reference: REQ260155
Date Posted: Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT
Application Closing Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT
Location: Loughborough
Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research Grade 6 £35,608 – £46,049, starting salary confirmed on appointment.
Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 months
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
We are looking for an engineer or scientist with proven experience in the development and innovation of thermochemical reactors suitable for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources.
In this role you will develop thermochemical reactors and processes that use abundant molecules like water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, as raw materials for fuels derived from green hydrogen and that are suitable for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources.
The focus of the role is to advance and intensify scalable thermochemical reactor prototypes to fulfil the technical, economic and environmental demands of a successful net zero energy transition. This includes conceptualising, implementing and characterising effects of novel cell architectures and process innovations targeting integration for energy to fuel conversions and vice versa.
You will work with the Group’s state of the art facilities including a dedicated bench top flow reactor fitted with in situ catalyst- and online gas product- analysis capability. The research will involve close collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, and collaboration with other groups in the University is foreseen and will be strongly encouraged.
Key Requirements:
- You have extensive and proven experience in development and innovation of thermo chemical reaction processes and continuous flow reactors in a research and/or industrial setting.
- You have strong knowledge of thermochemical and kinetics analytical techniques as well as process performance and stability evaluation.
- You have a PhD (or near completion) in Chemical/Process Engineering, Chemistry, or other closely related area.
- You have a proven track record of rigorous research including scientific publications in peer reviewed journal papers and conference presentations or at least one patent filed on thermochemical reactors and/or processes.
- You have hands on experience in at least three of the following (i) design, construction and optimisation of high temperature/pressure chemical reactors, (ii) real time online control and monitoring of dynamic reactions, (iii) product analysis using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and/or infra-red spectroscopy, (iv)automation of data acquisition and process control using LabVIEW, PLC or equivalent and (v) construction and operating chemical reaction test benches.
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Sonya Calnan, via email to s.calnan@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 225837.
Please accompany your application with one document which includes:
- a curriculum vitae.
- a list of your publications highlighting your self-selected top 2 and/or relevant achievements e.g. patent, or contributions to collaborative projects.
Closing Date: 15 April 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 11 May 2026
Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies
Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support
Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Loughborough University is committed to achieving equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
