PDRA in Blockchain and AI for sustainable CO2-to-Products - Durham
The Role
The postholder will contribute to the UKRI-funded Great British Chemicals (GBC) Hub, a seven-year national programme bringing together 10 UK universities, industry partners, and policymakers to accelerate the transformation of the UK chemical sector towards net to zero.
The PDRA will develop and apply digital technologies at the intersection of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable chemistry. In particular, the role will involve: (i) designing blockchain architectures and smart contracts for CO2 credit tracking, tokenisation of CO2 derived products; (ii) integrating blockchain systems into AI-driven monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital twins (virtual models of CO2 conversion processes that mirror real-world performance) to support real-time optimisation.
The position will evolve over time with strict deadlines. The postholder will closely work with Dr. Arzé Karam (Project Lead) and collaborators across the hub, contributing to the advancement of the project and helping to deliver the GBC Hub's ambition to create blockchain- and AI-enabled CO2 -to-products markets.
The postholder will join a research project led by Dr. Arzé Karam. The role is designed to support and advance the GBC objectives, with the expectation that the postholder will contribute their own expertise, ideas and initiative while working closely with the project lead and the wider team.
The successful applicant will ideally be in post as soon as possible following the interview, which is scheduled to take place on 20 October 2025.
The role is primarily based at Durham University Business School / Department of Finance, but flexible and remote working arrangements can be discussed with the Project Lead to support the needs of both the project and the postholder.