OVERVIEW
Position
Principal Investigator – Carbon-based e-Fuels and Hydrogen Carriers
Job Code
Reports to
Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute Director / Executive Director of the NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation (ERI) Foundation
Direct Reports
Research Scientists, postdoctoral researchers, students (to be recruited)
Division
Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute (HEFARI) of the ERI Foundation
Sector
ERI Sector
Role Purpose
In partnership with ENOWA (NEOM’s energy and water company), the NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation (ERI) Foundation has established the Hydrogen and e-fuels Applied Research Institute (HEFARI). HEFARI will drive innovative low technology-readiness-level (TRL) technologies up the hydrogen value chain, leveraging pilot and commercial hydrogen projects in NEOM, including ENOWA’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center (HIDC), and the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. The creation of HEFARI will help fast-track KSA’s transition to clean energy by serving as a research and innovation hub for end-to-end technology development and deployment, bridging fundamental and applied research, innovation, and development.
Principal Investigators (PI) within HEFARI will support the development of the Institute, working closely with the ERI Foundation, Institute Director, and other PIs, and with ENOWA, and our other collaborators in academe, industry, and government. They will help identify, explore, and develop promising technologies for demonstration, commercialization and scale-up. They will further help NEOM to become a global leader in hydrogen and e-fuels knowledge and intellectual property creation, and in the manufacturing of devices and systems for hydrogen production, storage, and use. The focus of the currently advertised PI role will be on research and innovation related to the production of carbon-based e-fuels and other hydrogen carriers.
The PI will build a team within HEFARI, comprising one or more Research Scientists, and a group of postdoctoral researchers and students. They will do this in collaboration with ENOWA, with academic partners, and with global industry. Facilities for HEFARI are included in the ERI Campus design for the Oxagon Innovation District, in close proximity to the HIDC, and within a short distance of the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company production facility in the Oxagon Southern Cluster. The ERI Campus is being planned to accommodate the ERI Foundation Applied Research Institutes, Shared Research Infrastructures, and headquarters, alongside ERI Talent Academy headquarters and training facilities, and NEOM U teaching and research spaces. Before completion of the xERI Campus, the PI will establish their initial activities through collaboration with our partners.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
- The PI will advance the development of catalytic materials and processes (thermocatalytic, photocatalytic, electrocatalytic or biocatalytic) for applications in carbon dioxide conversion and/or the production of synthetic, non-carbon, or carbon-neutral fuels and green chemicals.
- They will contribute to both theoretical and experimental approaches towards e-fuel design and synthesis.
- Engage in the detailed design and development of HEFARI laboratory facilities and research equipment for reaction engineering and materials characterization related to e-fuels and hydrogen carriers.
- Support the specification and development of related ERI Foundation Shared Research Infrastructures for materials discovery, processing, and characterisation.
- Establish a globally renowned research and innovation program and team within HEFARI, with expertise in fields such as efficient carbon dioxide capture and utilization, e-fuel reactor and process design, catalyst development, and other state-of-the-art thermocatalytic and electrochemical processes.
- Conduct advanced research aligned to one or more of the following and/or related disciplines: chemical engineering, physical chemistry, and material science.
- Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary research projects focused on the development of advanced materials and processes for the energy transition.
- Identify and pursue innovation opportunities leading to the creation of intellectual property and other significant impacts.
- Supervise, train, and mentor graduate and postgraduate students, working with academic collaborators.
- Train, mentor, and support career progression opportunities for postdoctoral researchers and Research Scientists.
- Seek external funding from agencies, companies, and charities, to support and promote HEFARI’s activities and to grow capacity and capability.
- Collaborate with industry partners and oversee technology transfer, innovation, and commercialization initiatives with those partners.
- Collaborate with other global organizations to further HEFARI’s research and innovation agenda.
- Contribute to the global research and innovation community through participation in conferences and seminars, and publication of research outcomes.
- Interact with NEOM sectors and regions to promote translation of lab-scale technologies into commercially relevant solutions.
- Keep clear and detailed records and contribute as required to the reporting needs of HEFARI through communication of progress via oral presentations, project status reports, invention disclosures, and financial updates.
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Role specific requirements:
- Substantial experience with chemical reaction engineering, reactor and process design, and catalyst development.
- Substantial experience with development of CO2 and H2 co-electrolysis technologies.
- Substantial experience in building state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and leading efficient and effective research teams.
- A collegial and responsive approach to leadership and strategy development for research and innovation that will allow productive alignment with HEFARI priorities.
- Substantial expertise in project development/management at the interface between Chemistry and Process Engineering.
- Proficiency in, and innovative approaches to, the design, characterization, and application of nanostructured materials.
- Strong background in CO2 capture technology and gas/vapor/liquid separations.
General requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of individuals.
- High levels of creativity in innovation and technology development.
- Ability and willingness to undertake global travel when necessary.
- Proven track record of leading successful, highly productive research projects and teams.
- Strong ability to analyse and resolve complex issues, both logical and interpersonal.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent ability to comprehend complex, technical subjects.
- Desire and ability to be a strong team player that motivates and educates other team members and leads by example.
