Applications are invited for the above post within the Energy and Sustainability Research Division, to design, manufacture and test a prototype for a thermal energy store utilising metal hydrides as a high energy density medium. This project is part of an E.ON International Research Initiative investigating novel thermal energy storage technologies for concentrated solar power plants.

The successful candidate will undertake an exciting project to create detailed specifications and, working with sub-contractors, the conceptual and embodiment design for the thermal store, support infrastructure and testing instrumentation/programme. A particular challenge will be the design and validation of an efficient thermal management system for the store, enabling a fast response when the store is either being charged or discharged. The project requires working within an inter-disciplinary team to design, build and validate the prototype. Operating in a safe manner is important to the project and the candidate will also undertake directed HSS training to ensure an exceptional level of HSS is delivered within the project. As a more senior member of the team, the person appointed will contribute to the training and supervision of PhD students working in the group. Duties will also include the liaison with E.ON and other partners in the project, the preparation and presentation of reports at regular intervals, and the development of academic publications for the dissemination of results to a wider audience.Candidates must hold a BEng (or equivalent) in an appropriate field (for example materials engineering/science, chemical engineering, physical science) and have design experience in engineering, preferably mechanical engineering. They must also have experience/understanding of project management and be able to demonstrate an ability to develop creative solutions to problems. Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment is essential.

Application Deadline: 14 Feb 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application