PDRA in Scalable Thermochemical Reactors & Processes - Energy & Fuel Conversion - Loughborough

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 months

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We are looking for an engineer or scientist with proven experience in the development and innovation of thermochemical reactors suitable for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources.

In this role you will develop thermochemical reactors and processes that use abundant molecules like water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, as raw materials for fuels derived from green hydrogen and that are suitable for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources.

The focus of the role is to advance and intensify scalable thermochemical reactor prototypes to fulfil the technical, economic and environmental demands of a successful net zero energy transition. This includes conceptualising, implementing and characterising effects of novel cell architectures and process innovations targeting integration for energy to fuel conversions and vice versa.

You will work with the Group’s state of the art facilities including a dedicated bench top flow reactor fitted with in situ catalyst- and online gas product- analysis capability. The research will involve close collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, and collaboration with other groups in the University is foreseen and will be strongly encouraged.

Key Requirements:

• You have extensive and proven experience in development and innovation of thermo chemical reaction processes and continuous flow reactors in a research and/or industrial setting.
• You have strong knowledge of thermochemical and kinetics analytical techniques as well as process performance and stability evaluation.
• You have a PhD (or near completion) in Chemical/Process Engineering, Chemistry, or other closely related area.
• You have a proven track record of rigorous research including scientific publications in peer reviewed journal papers and conference presentations or at least one patent filed on thermochemical reactors and/or processes.
• You have hands on experience in at least three of the following (i) design, construction and optimisation of high temperature/pressure chemical reactors, (ii) real time online control and monitoring of dynamic reactions, (iii) product analysis using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and/or infra-red spectroscopy, (iv) automation of data acquisition and process control using LabVIEW, PLC or equivalent and (v) construction and operating chemical reaction test benches.

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification .

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Sonya Calnan, via email to or by telephone to .

Please accompany your application with one document which includes:

• a curriculum vitae.
• a list of your publications highlighting your self-selected top 2 and/or relevant achievements e.g. patent, or contributions to collaborative projects.

Closing Date: 15 April 2026

Interview Date: week commencing 11 May 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities

Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

Loughborough University is committed to achieving equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.