Applications are invited for Position of Project Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras for a project titled ‘Utilization of CO2 by thermocatalytic conversion to liquid fuels’ under the Energy Consortium project
Post : Project Associate
Co-ordinator: Prof. Niket Kaisare and Prof. Jithin John Varghese, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras.
Duration: Initially for six months, later extendable for six months based on the performance.
Number of Vacancies: 01
Project Description:
• This project is under the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Technology Center of
Excellence within the Energy Consortium at IIT Madras.
• Utilization of the emitted CO2 as a chemical feedstock not only serves the purpose of
producing fuels and various platform chemicals but also in enabling a circular economy. One such means of utilizing CO2 as a feedstock is by catalytic reduction with H2 to value-added chemicals like methanol or other alcohols, or long-chain hydrocarbons. Typical synthesis of methanol and hydrocarbons from CO 2 is carried out from a mixture of CO/CO2/H2 at a high temperature and pressure using multicomponent catalysts. Understanding reaction kinetics and catalyst structure – property relations are crucial in optimizing these reactions for commercial development.
Qualification and Experience needed for the position of Project Associate :
Minimum Qualifications:
- BTech/BE (Chemical Engineering) or MSc (Chemistry) with an aggregate 65% marks or CGPA of 7 and above.
- Prior experience in catalyst/materials synthesis and
characterization is expected.
Desirable qualification:
- Prior experience in handling of analytical/ spectroscopic
instruments and fixed bed catalytic reactor experiments
would be an added advantage.
Pay : Rs 31,000/-Per month
Job Scope of the position of Project Associate:
• The job scope for this position will include (but not restricted to) survey and summarising of the literature, timely purchase of chemicals and components for the experiments, assembling of the reactor set up and online gas sampling systems, systematic planning and execution of synthesis and detailed characterization of catalysts, fixed bed catalytic reactor experiments of the CO 2 reduction to methanol and hydrocarbons under varying conditions using these catalysts, data recording, analysis and reporting, contributing to scientific communication in the form of journal articles, technical reports and so on.
Note:
- Interested candidates may send his/her CV to [email protected] with a brief letter of
motivation and fit for the position. - The last date for submission of online application for the position of Project Associate is 23.07.2023.
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Here are some interview questions and sample answers for the position of Project Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras:
1. Can you tell us about your educational background and relevant experience?
Answer: I have completed my BTech/BE in Chemical Engineering with an aggregate of 65% marks. I also have prior experience in catalyst/materials synthesis and characterization, which makes me well-equipped for this role. I have worked on similar projects involving CO2 utilization and have hands-on experience in handling analytical/spectroscopic instruments.
2. What is your understanding of the project’s objective and its significance?
Answer: The project aims to utilize CO2 as a chemical feedstock for the production of fuels and value-added chemicals, contributing to the circular economy and carbon capture, utilization, and storage efforts. By catalytically converting CO2 with H2, we can produce methanol and hydrocarbons, which have various applications. Understanding the reaction kinetics and catalyst structure-property relations is essential for optimizing these reactions for commercial development.
3. How would you contribute to the project as a Project Associate?
Answer: As a Project Associate, my responsibilities would include surveying and summarizing relevant literature, procuring chemicals and components for experiments, setting up the reactor and gas sampling systems, executing synthesis and detailed characterization of catalysts, conducting fixed bed catalytic reactor experiments, recording and analyzing data, and contributing to scientific communication through journal articles and technical reports.
4. Have you worked with fixed bed catalytic reactors and analytical/spectroscopic instruments before?
Answer: Yes, I have prior experience in handling fixed bed catalytic reactors and analytical/spectroscopic instruments. I am familiar with their operation and have used them for catalyst/materials characterization and experimentation purposes. This experience will enable me to effectively carry out the tasks required for this project.
5. How do you plan to approach the synthesis and characterization of catalysts for CO2 reduction?
Answer: I would start by reviewing the existing literature to understand the best practices and methods for catalyst synthesis and characterization. I would then plan and execute the synthesis process, ensuring precise control of reaction conditions and parameters. For characterization, I would employ techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and surface analysis to evaluate catalyst structure and properties. This data will help optimize the catalysts for CO2 reduction.
6. How do you handle data recording, analysis, and reporting in a research project?
Answer: In research projects, I believe in maintaining meticulous records of all experimental data, including observations, measurements, and outcomes. I analyze the data using appropriate statistical or analytical methods, drawing meaningful conclusions from the results. I am proficient in using data analysis software and can generate comprehensive reports summarizing the findings, which can contribute to scientific communication.
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