Advanced Characterisation of biochar by hydropyrolysis and related techniques (Fixed Term)
- University of Nottingham
- United Kingdom, LND
- Jun 18, 2026
Job Description:
The Biochar Demonstrator is a £4.5M project funded by BBSCR as part of the £30M Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) programme. The Demonstrator has addressed address the uncertainties concerning the extent and scope of deployment of biochar, its stability with respect to carbon sequestration, and to quantify the effects on ecosystem services by establishing the most ambitious and comprehensive large-scale demonstration programme to date, involving the deployment of over 200 tonnes of biochar. The Demonstrator is led by the University of Nottingham (Principal Investigator: Prof. Colin Snape) and involves 3 other academic/research institute partners (Universities of Bangor and Leeds, and Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre), together with over 10 other project partners spanning biochar production, the agricultural sector and other stakeholders, including local government. A key topic being addressed is the assessment of biochar persistence which is fundamental to payments received for carbon sequestration. The method developed at the University of Nottingham, hydropyrolysis (HyPy) is gaining momentum and is already included in the latest version of Carbon Standards International, C-Sink methodology. HyPy uses high pressure hydrogen to remove the labile material from biochar leaving aromatic structures comprising 8 rings or larger, which is defined as the persistent fraction with a lifetime of at least 1,000 years. The successful applicant will conduct experiments to provide comparisons with other approaches being used to assess biochar persistence, including reflectance. Further, the labile fractions released by HyPy will be characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to ascertain how composition depends upon feedstocks and pyrolysis is conditions working with collaborating organisations. The successful applicant will have a PHD in organic geochemistry or a related field and must have practical experience of HyPy and conducting hydrocarbon analysis by GC-MS.
Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.
Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week for a period of 4 months from 1/07/2026
Please contact Colin Snape, [email protected]. if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
Closing Date: 30 Jun 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)
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Job Description:
The Biochar Demonstrator is a £4.5M project funded by BBSCR as part of the £30M Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) programme. The Demonstrator has addressed address the uncertainties concerning the extent and scope of deployment of biochar, its stability with respect to carbon sequestration, and to quantify the effects on ecosystem services by establishing the most ambitious and comprehensive large-scale demonstration programme to date, involving the deployment of over 200 tonnes of biochar. The Demonstrator is led by the University of Nottingham (Principal Investigator: Prof. Colin Snape) and involves 3 other academic/research institute partners (Universities of Bangor and Leeds, and Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre), together with over 10 other project partners spanning biochar production, the agricultural sector and other stakeholders, including local government. A key topic being addressed is the assessment of biochar persistence which is fundamental to payments received for carbon sequestration. The method developed at the University of Nottingham, hydropyrolysis (HyPy) is gaining momentum and is already included in the latest version of Carbon Standards International, C-Sink methodology. HyPy uses high pressure hydrogen to remove the labile material from biochar leaving aromatic structures comprising 8 rings or larger, which is defined as the persistent fraction with a lifetime of at least 1,000 years. The successful applicant will conduct experiments to provide comparisons with other approaches being used to assess biochar persistence, including reflectance. Further, the labile fractions released by HyPy will be characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to ascertain how composition depends upon feedstocks and pyrolysis is conditions working with collaborating organisations. The successful applicant will have a PHD in organic geochemistry or a related field and must have practical experience of HyPy and conducting hydrocarbon analysis by GC-MS.
Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.
Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week for a period of 4 months from 1/07/2026
Please contact Colin Snape, [email protected]. if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
Closing Date: 30 Jun 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)
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