Research Assistant
The North-East of Scotland is poised to play a strategic role in advancing hydrogen economies across the UK and Europe. Leveraging its extensive deployment of wind power, the region has the potential to become the UK's green energy hub by producing and exporting green hydrogen, thereby strengthening the entire UK supply chain. Repurposing offshore oil and gas infrastructure for hydrogen technologies—such as integrating wind farms with water electrolysis on platforms—can extend the life of existing assets, save millions of pounds, deliver green energy nationwide, and foster circular economies.
The project aims to assess the effects of hydrogen (H2) on the structural integrity of steels and develop advanced barrier materials to mitigate H2 embrittlement and structural failures in pipelines. The position, initially lasting 12 months with the potential for a 6-month extension, will be based at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, UK. The job holder will be employed and supported by the University and will participate in regular meetings with project partners, including: John Lawrie Metals, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, ABL Group, Drager Safety UK Ltd, European Marine Energy Centre, Net Zero Technology Centre, Statera Energy Ltd.
The project brings together academics from various engineering fields with industry partners, offering a broad spectrum of expertise. The School of Engineering is home to several internationally renowned research centres, including Micro- and Nano-mechanics and Applied Dynamics Research. The University of Aberdeen also boasts advanced laboratory facilities, such as multiscale microscopy equipped with an in-situ testing rig (featuring X-ray tomography, SEM, EBSD, EDX, optical microscopy).
Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 5, £32,546 - £36,130 per annum
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Mehmet Kartal, Reader in Engineering, (mehmet.kartal@abdn.ac.uk), Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe (a.martinez-felipe@abdn.ac.uk) or Dr Amir Siddiq (amir.siddiq@abdn.ac.uk)
This post does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post that require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Type of Contract: Full-time, project limited for 12 months with the potential for a 6-month extension
To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs
Job Reference Number: ENG242R
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 10 August 2025