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Membrane Scientist

Watercycle Technologies is looking for an individual to lead the membrane science research and development for the production and scale-up of a prototype for direct lithium extraction from primary and wastewater sources. This role will work directly alongside our CTO and will be integral to the delivery of pilot demonstrations with external partners. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can analyse ambiguous problems, make decisions and deliver solutions in a fast-paced, agile working environment. This individual has the opportunity to make an enormous impact in a young start-up and grow a company where the technology is a critical piece in the transition to a net-zero future and circular economy.

About the company:

Watercycle Technologies is a spin-out company from the University of Manchester developing water treatment and mineral recovery systems for a range of industries including mining, desalination, textiles and others. Currently, we are the only UK-based company developing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, which will reduce the environmental impact of current lithium extraction processes and secure a UK lithium supply chain for electric vehicles.

Responsibilities:

  • Deliver a targeted development programme of the polymer membrane aspect of the DLE technology, including experimental conception, fabrication, testing, characterisation and analysis.

  • Investigate and compare different polymer materials and solvents. Evaluate them in terms of performance, cost and environmental sustainability, and deliver recommendations to the CTO.

  • Assist in the design and prototyping of membrane modules and integrate the prepared membranes into the modules.

  • Be actively involved in product design iteration, creation of new IP, exploring new opportunities with continuous crystallisation and related technologies.

Essential requirements:

  • Minimum of a bachelors degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science (or similar).

  • Understanding of the main concepts of membrane fabrication, characterisation and performance testing:

    • Fabrication - phase inversion techniques for hollow fibre and flat sheet membranes

    • Characterisation - SEM-EDS, capillary flow porometry, FTIR and TGA

    • Performance - membrane distillation and adsorption tests

  • Confident, autonomous and safety-conscious worker in a wet-chemistry lab environment.

  • Creative and diligent approach to problem solving and an ability to think critically.

  • Excellent communication skills and team-working skills in a multidisciplinary environment.

  • Able to work on a full-time contract in the UK.

Desirable requirements:

  • PhD and/or >3 years industrial experience in a related field.

  • Experience in 3D design (Solidworks, AutoCAD, Blender, etc).

  • Awareness of various water treatment technologies.

Job details:

  • Full-time

  • Competitive salary offered depending on qualifications and experience. Share options scheme available after a successful 3-month probation.

  • Onsite working at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Manchester, UK

 

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter to info@watercycletechnologies.com