Victoria Walker at CK Science is recruiting for Project Scientist to join ACAL Energy. ACAL Energy Ltd is the world’s leading developer of low cost Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells systems, powered by ACAL Energy’s proprietary platinum free cathode technology (FlowCath).

Based in Runcorn, Cheshire, they are now recruiting for a Project Scientist to join their Chemistry team to work in the area of Polyoxometalate Chemistry, and are currently working on an exclusive basis with CK Science for this recruitment campaign.

Job purpose:

To design, synthesise, evaluate and deliver new catalyst and mediator materials based on inorganic cluster compounds and associative structures which improve the performance of the ACAL Energy FlowCath technology.

Major challenges:

• To deliver catalyst and mediator materials based on inorganic cluster/associative structures which display improved performance in the ACAL Energy fuel cell and meet product and market needs.
• To identify suitable materials for catalyst and/or mediator roles and design and execute synthetic routes to these species.
• To characterise target materials and evaluate performance, particularly in relation to electrochemical and catalytic properties.

Key accountabilities:

• Deliver catalyst and/or mediator materials based on inorganic cluster/associative structures which display improved performance in the ACAL fuel cell.
• Apply chemical knowledge and understanding to identify and design target materials to meet criteria.
• Design and execute synthetic routes to target materials, with consideration of commercial implications.
• Complete COSHH and risk assessments for all experimental work and conduct work in a safe manner at all times.
• Fully characterise target materials.
• Evaluate performance related properties of catalyst and mediator materials, in particular by assessing electrochemical and catalytic properties.
• Produce high quality written technical reports and present results and findings at regular intervals.
• Identify patent opportunities arising from the work undertaken.
• Liaise with internal fuel cell test team to demonstrate the fuel cell performance of lead materials.
• Take responsibility for delivering agreed project outputs and contribute to the delivery of the key objectives for the Chemistry team and the company.

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of inorganic chemistry
• Competency in practical inorganic synthesis, with experience of inorganic cluster/association complex synthesisin aqueous solution preferred
• Ability and enthusiasm for laboratory working
• Experience and understanding of electrochemical kinetics and/or catalysis is preferred
• Competent user of literature searching tools
• Broad chemical understanding for the rational design of target materials
• Logical approach to problem solving and decision making
• Creative approach for the generation of chemical solutions

Personal skills and attributes:

• Must be a team player with good communication and affiliativeskills to build strong internal relationships
• Results oriented and standards driven, focused on delivery
• Commercially aware; understanding what they are trying to achieve and to have a degree of entrepreneurialism
• Has a critical nature to question status quo and challenge norms to develop innovation or improvements
• Proactive style and flexible approach with a willingness to learn new techniques
• Able to work independently in a self motivated manner
• Able to demonstrate a practical approach to problem solving using creative thinking
• Desire to further fundamental understanding and see technical advancements through to completion

Job experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Chemistry with either a relevant PhD qualification or equivalent experience
• gained in a relevant industrial role
• Application of chemistry knowledge to the design, synthesis and evaluation of materials
• Practical laboratory working experience
• Experience of applying electrochemical or catalytic understanding to inorganic materials would be advantageous

How to apply:

For more information or to apply for this Project Scientist position, please contact Victoria Walker on 0114 283 9956 or email vwalker@ckscience.co.uk. Please quote reference SH22762 in all correspondence.