Energy Materials Industrial Placement 2022

This is an excellent opportunity for a student with an interest in fuel cells or electrolysers to develop personally and professionally within a successful and growing business. Working within the Energy Materials department they will be directly involved in developing the next generation of Solid Oxide Cell technology.

Suitable candidates

Students currently studying for a first degree in materials science/engineering, chemistry/chemical engineering, physics, or similar degrees offering a 12 month ‘sandwich’ course.

Candidates should have a demonstrable interest in electrochemical devices and the ‘clean energy sector’ and be prepared to work hard to improve their knowledge of materials, ceramics, ceramics processing and Solid Oxide Cells. They should also be comfortable, competent, and proficient in working in a laboratory environment and completing tasks requiring a moderate to high level of dexterity.

Mentoring and development

The student will have an appointed mentor/industrial supervisor of at least senior scientist level, who will be responsible for their development during the placement period and liaising with the academic supervisor. There will be regular meetings, in addition to day-to-day supervision, to assess and guide the student’s personal development.

Training will be provided in all the characterisation methods and processes required to complete the role described below, as well as specific training for project activities as required. Further training to enhance rigour in data analysis using statistical tools will be also be provided.

An induction program will be followed in the first few months covering different business functions including (at least): Health, Safety and the Environment, Intellectual Property, Commercial and Engineering. The student will also be privy to the regular internal company updates, which touch on significant developments from department such as manufacturing and engineering as well as important commercial developments.

Role

The successful candidate will form part of the Energy Materials R&D team and will split their time 50:50 between a dedicated year-long student project and supporting the cutting edge analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyser Cells. The project work will explore brand new and exciting solid oxide materials and/or processes. Additionally, by supporting our experienced scientists in materials and process development you will be directly advancing development of the next generation of Solid Oxide Cells. These tasks will both include significant practical lab work, experimental design, detailed data analysis, collaboration with colleagues and experts across the business, and are a fantastic opportunity to get first-hand practical exposure to cutting edge science in a leading UK clean-tech company.

50% Student Project – Bespoke project exploring cutting edge Solid Oxide materials and/or processes (supported by Senior Scientist(s) in EM team)

50% Support EM Development – Perform measurements, experiments, trials and/or syntheses to support R&D activities within the Energy Materials department (supported by Senior Scientist(s) in EM team)

Within the Energy Materials team, the placement student will be involved in most aspects of the . These may include:

• Planning activities on a weekly basis.
• Post-test inspection of components (optical microscopy, bench tests).
• Preparing samples for SEM analysis (cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing).
• SEM imaging and elemental analysis (EDX/WDX).
• Analysis of ceramic powder samples (XRD, BET, dilatometry, TGA).
• Materials processing (synthesis, furnaces)
• Rheological characterisation
• Deposition processes
• Preparation of reports and explaining results to the request originator.

Project work will be undertaken in an area of relevance to the cell development team and will have the potential to affect the product development. Typically, the project will involve the development of cell materials and/or processes or cell characterisation methods. Working under the supervision of a senior scientist within the development team the student is likely to be involved in the following type of activities:

• Thoroughly planning the development work, developing clear objectives, deliverables and a realistic timing plan.
• Creating well thought out experiments using the ‘Design of Experiments’ statistical tools.
• Creating and reviewing Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.
• Taking a hands-on role in development activities e.g. screen print ink development.
• Organising any required further cell processing and testing activities.
• Analysing any characterisation and testing data and reporting on statistically relevant results.
• Providing regular project updates to the technical and project review team.
• Presenting the project results to a wider company audience at the end of the placement and during as required.

Knowledge, qualification, skills

Required

• Education: studying materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related degree.
• A diligent and fast learner with very good attention to detail.
• Self-starting attitude and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ with practical aspects of the role.
• Good communication skills.

Desirable

• Basic understanding of fuel cell/battery operation and/or electrochemistry