Do you have a background in chemical science and engineering, and industrial research experience, with knowledge in the crystallography and particle technology aspects associated with the processing and performance of inorganic materials, then this position will interest you.

Polyhalite is an evaporite mineral, specifically a hydrated ternary sulfate of potassium, calcium and magnesium with formula: K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O. It is an important commodity chemical feedstock, with particular utility as a low chloride containing fertiliser. The only polyhalite currently being mined in the world comes from below the North Yorkshire National Park which extends off the North Sea coast in the UK. Polyhalite is the first natural potassium bearing mineral to be utilised at scale, for crop production in 75 years.

The Anglo American Company is currently working closely with the School of Chemical and Process Engineering to unlock the full potential of such a promising mineral, through collaborative research which encompasses examining the interplay between the mineral’s characterised physical and chemical properties, its downstream processing behaviour and its subsequent performance as a formulated product.

As a Research Assistant, you will carry out some crystallographic and crystallisation/dissolution science studies on this mineral to gain an in-depth understanding of its physical and structural chemical properties with the aim to understand the interplay between its solvated state in solution, its particulate surface properties and its overall purity within the mineral in relation to how these attributes are impacted by the downstream processes associated with product formulation and subsequent performance.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

What we offer in return

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Kevin Roberts, Brotherton Professor of Chemical Engineering (email: [email protected]) 

OR

Dr Xiaojun Lai, Lecturer in Chemical Engineering (email: [email protected])