About the Role
NPL-Imperial iCASE studentship: Characterising the performance of low loading electrodes for electrochemical hydrogen technologies
 
Start date: September-October 2024 (flexible)
Supervisors: Professor Anthony Kucernak (Imperial College London, ICL), Dr Graham Smith (NPL)
 
This project is an Industrial-Case studentship based in the Chemistry department at ICL, with partners at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and RFC Power, which is a spinout of ICL. This project will focus on improving the understanding of electrodes used in electrolysers, flow batteries, and fuel cells. These devices allow the efficient capture of renewable electricity and its interconversion with hydrogen. Deployment of such electrochemical systems is growing at a tremendous pace but significant improvements to performance, cost, and longevity are still required.
 
The post-holder will gain experience in: - Electrochemistry with specific emphasis of the electrocatalysis of reactions involving gaseous reactants or products; - Development of ultra-low catalyst loading electrodes for high performance electrocatalytic system; - Electrochemical assessment of performance under a wide range of conditions; - Computational assessment of electrocatalytic performance of reactions The studentship will include >3 month placement with NPL (Teddington, London) and benefits from membership of NPL’s post-graduate institute, accessing training, expertise on metrology and participation of cohort activities and networking events.
 
Further details of the Imperial Chemistry Department is here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/chemistry/ and details for the Kucernak group is available here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/kucernak-group/ Further details of the NPL Electrochemistry group and PGI are available here: https://www.npl.co.uk/electrochemistry and Postgraduate Institute for Measurement Science - NPL Further details of RFC Power is available here: https://www.rfcpower.com

About You
Applicants should have a strong background in Physical Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Computation. Applications are invited from candidates who possess (or expect to gain) a first-class honours MSci or higher degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related areas.
 
If you are interested in applying, Please send applications including a CV, the names and addresses of two academic referees and a short statement (200 words or less) as to why you think you would be an appropriate candidate. Applications should be emailed to Anthony Kucernak ([email protected]) with the subject line “NPL-Imperial iCase”.
About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us. 

SDC
IOP
DCC
BDF
RAW
LGBTQ+