Methanox is a catalyst materials startup dedicated to decarbonising the maritime sector. Our drop-in retrofit system tackles methane slip from LNG dual-fuel vessels by integrating advanced methane-oxidation catalysts into existing exhaust lines. We combine deep catalysis and methane emissions expertise with a fast-pace product development to accelerate the energy transition for shipping.
Methanox is looking for a Catalyst Development Intern who has a PhD or is completing a PhD in Catalysis. The intern will work with Methanox’s Research Team to help synthesise catalyst formulations, prepare slurries and coat monoliths, and support early scale-up. The role blends hands-on lab work including procurement, characterisation of materials, data analysis and written reports.
Location: Harwell, Oxford
Job Type: 3-month contract
Company: Methanox Limited
Salary: £27,500 per annum (pro-rata)
Start-date: ASAP
Responsibilities:
* Procurement of lab consumables and equipment
* Synthesise and characterise catalyst powders
* Develop slurries and assist with coating methods on ceramic monoliths.
* Support activity tests (e.g., light-off temperature, conversion efficiency) on CatLab or equivalent.
* Support the synthesis scale-up of catalyst materials and upcoming testbed engine trials.
* Analyse characterisation and activity data, maintain lab notebooks, standard operating procedures and weekly reports
* Attend weekly operational meetings with the Methanox team to discuss technical, commercial and operational progress.
Qualifications and Experience
* Masters of Science or PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering or equivalent experience related to Catalysis
* Hands-on laboratory experience in catalyst synthesis/characterisation and safe chemical handling.
* Familiarity with physical and chemical analyses of coatings and surfaces (essential: SEM, FTIR, XRD) (Desirable: ChemBET, CatLab)
* Soft skills: clear communicator, organised, safety-minded, able to make good judgments from incomplete data.
* Solve problems creatively and quickly when design challenges or malfunctions occur.
* Willing to travel between Harwell and London sites if needed.