The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.
The main purpose of this role is to provide research support and taking the lead, with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate groups related to the PET2H project. To fulfil this role the student assistant must be based in Manchester and available to carry on hand-on research in lab environment.
Dates: 1 July 2025 - 30 May 2026
Hours: up to 16hr per week
Location: Surface Engineering lab
Key Tasks
Research Activities
The work involves coating the glassy carbon substrate with a thin layer (approx. 10 nm) of Au to develop a benchmark electrode for electrochemical testing (Au100). Following that alloyed electrodes containing reduced amount of Au will be developed by co-sputtering Au and Cu onto the electrode surface. The ratios of Au-to-Cu will be controlled by varying the power on both targets independently to each other to achieve the following composition range: Au70/Cu30; Au50/Cu50; Au30/Cu70. This will be obtained by studying the deposition rates of both metals prior to the deposition. The deposition rates will be calculated based on the coating thickness achieved at defined operating conditions and divided by the deposition time. Moreover, coating deposition conditions, such as pulse frequency and the duty cycle, pressure, substrate to target distance and angle will be studied to evaluate coatings’ physiochemical properties, which could play a key role in the electrochemical performance of magnetron sputtered electrodes. Coatings deposited in this work will be
characterised to study the microstructure (using FIB-SEM and TEM), composition
(EDS analysis) and crystalline phases (using grazing angle XRD) of the
developed electrodes. Coatings deposited in this work will be characterised to study the microstructure (using FIB-SEM and TEM), composition (EDS analysis) and crystalline phases (using grazing angle XRD) of the developed electrodes.
Plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources, and the work of Research Assistants and students where appropriate, in order to achieve agreed objectives.
Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.
Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.
Liaison and Networking
Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences.
Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks in order to aid the dissemination of research findings, to share best practice, and to enhance the reputation of the University.
Service Provision
Develop own and/or joint research objectives, budgets, and project proposals with senior research staff which meet funding criteria and benefit the department.
Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.
Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction.
Team Working
Actively participate as a member of the research team, offering general help and guidance to others and PhD students who may be assisting with the research project.
Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate to proactively contribute to decision making.
Introduce new starters to the area, giving training on basic skills and activities to assist their induction to the team.
Assist senior staff in the guidance and support of new research assistants or members of staff within the department as appropriate.
Supervise the work/projects of taught postgraduate and/or research students as required to support the development of students’ research skills.
Miscellaneous
You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
You are responsible for applying the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct.
You have a responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work.
Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld.
You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint.
You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role.