Applications are invited for a 2-year 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).
You will work closely with Dr Julien R. Landel at the Department of Mathematics, who has strong expertise in experimental fluid mechanics and multiphase flows. You will also work in collaboration with Prof. Jordi Bures and Dr Ralph Adams at the Department of Chemistry, who have been awarded co-funding for this project. The research will be carried out in the fluid mechanics laboratory facilities of the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics (MCND) headed by Prof. Anne Juel. This project offers an excellent opportunity for a suitable candidate to build a broad skill set in fluid mechanics and chemical engineering, with applications in chemistry and NMR spectroscopy, and to contribute intellectually to other projects within the research group.
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 will explore novel chemical reactor designs, based on existing prototypes tested in the research groups of Landel, Bures and Adams, in order to overcome the limitations of NMR spectroscopy for heterogeneous reactive mixtures. In collaboration with two other researchers based 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 experimental fluid mechanics and chemical engineering. It will involve prototype design, experimental testing and some fluid mechanics modelling to assess the mixing properties of the stirring device for a range of reactive and non-reactive heterogeneous multiphase (e.g. liquid-liquid, liquid-particles) mixtures. You will work with designers and technician to design and build prototypes. You will use 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. A key component of the project will be to closely collaborate with the 2 other researchers based in chemistry 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. There may also be opportunity to use CFD simulation methods to study the mixing properties of the device.
You must have, or expect shortly to obtain, a PhD in fluid mechanics, chemical engineering or a closely related field. You will join a lively international group of about twenty researchers based in the MCND laboratory; excellent team-working and interpersonal skills are required. You will share responsibility for practical organisation of equipment and resources within the laboratory, will be expected to contribute intellectually to other projects within the research group and to weekly group meetings, and will be given opportunities to present work at national and international conferences.
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:
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
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 recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk. 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.
