Postdoctoral Research Associate; Natural Hydrogen

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

College of Science and Engineering / School of Geosciences

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for 16 months

Where Curiosity Becomes Impact.

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This is an Academic Research (Postdoctoral Research Associate) opportunity within the School of Geo Sciences.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Natural Hydrogen) to support the University of Edinburgh contribution to the Horizon Europe Clean Hydrogen project H2-QUEST. The project is focused on improving understanding of hydrogen source rocks and quantifying hydrogen generation and release rates under subsurface-relevant conditions.

The postholder will lead the University of Edinburgh experimental programme using high‑pressure, high‑temperature (HPHT) batch reactors and implement real‑time monitoring of hydrogen production dynamics using in situ microsensors. You will analyse and interpret experimental datasets and integrate results with thermodynamic/kinetic geochemical modelling to constrain hydrogen generation rates across geological settings. You will deliver robust, well‑documented datasets for consortium use, reporting, and publication, and work closely with project partners to ensure timely sharing and interpretation of results.

• PhD (awarded, or thesis submitted by the start date) in geochemistry, geoenergy, chemistry, chemical engineering (geo‑related), or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental geochemistry and/or reactor‑based experiments (HPHT or analogous high‑integrity lab systems).
• Strong knowledge of water‑rock‑gas reactions and redox processes relevant to hydrogen generation, and ability to apply this knowledge to interpret experimental results and constrain models.
• Experience with geochemical modelling (thermodynamic and/or kinetic), using relevant platforms (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench, TOUGH REACT, Crunch Flow, or equivalent).
• Experience with relevant analytical techniques for reactive systems, evidenced by routine use of several of: XRD, SEM‑EDS, micro‑CT, ICP‑OES/ICP‑MS, and gas analysis (e.g., GC).
• Strong quantitative data skills (e.g., Python/R/Matlab), excellent organisational skills, and ability to communicate results clearly in a collaborative international project environment.

This is a laboratory‑based role and requires regular on‑site attendance (daily during active experimental runs). Remote working will be limited and only permitted occasionally for specific tasks, subject to prior agreement with the line manager. As such, applicants should not expect routine or regular home working as part of this post.

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave and public holiday entitlement
• Defined benefits pension scheme
• A wide range of staff discounts
• Family‑friendly initiatives and wellbeing support
• Professional development and training opportunities