Research Associate - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Position Details
School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 25th March 2024

UK and International travel required for this role

Background
To assist in research to create knowledge, through providing research support for projects and research group members.

This will involve supporting students and PDRAs in the group, providing assistance in the design of research and experimental protocols with emphasis on safe laboratory practice, supporting group's efforts in X-ray crystallography and use of synchrotron X-ray facilities, performing custom synthesis and analysis, working independently or in a team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the research group.

The post holder is expected to have experience in research and will have the opportunity to actively participate in research and further grow their skills and experiences.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and/or projects (including external collaborations)
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to research presentations at conferences, research publications, reports to funders or industry partners, and promotional material
In consultation with PDRAs and group lead develop and conduct synthetic procedures for molecules and materials, and also instrumental analysis protocols, keeping activities in line with established health and safety procedures.
Present research at symposia
Work independently or in team with the group members, including the group Technician, to maintain equipment, optimise equipment use, keep records of purchases and consumption of consumables such as laboratory (chemicals, reagents, solvents, small laboratory items) or office material.
Work with the group members and the PI to maintain track records of group research achievements (presentations, publications, webpage)
Work independently or in team with the group's Technician to ensure effective and safe storage, as well as disposal of, of chemicals, solvents, other laboratory consumables and, if needed, equipment. Ensure strict compliance regarding health and safety procedures as governed by College and local policy for the laboratory.

Main Duties

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
Analyse research data as directed
Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery or maintaining a track record of the research
Design and conduct custom synthesis protocols that will support the work of students and PDRAs, including improving and scalingup of procedures found in the literature or developed by the group
Take a lead role in supporting and organising the group's activities related to Xray crystallography and synchrotron facility projects
Design and conduct custom protocols for instrumental analysis, including participation in new experiment designs to be developed alongside with students and PDRA's
Provide regular reports and discuss matters with the group lead.
Actively participate in networking and training opportunities across the College and University, acting as a representative for the research groups/School as appropriate
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Act as role model regarding the health and safety aspects of daily activities in the laboratory, handling maintenance/inspections and calling out unsafe practices, including safetyrelated minutes during group meetings
Provide technical and administrative support for research group at research facilities outside of School, for example at synchrotron experiments conducted in facilities in UK, as well as overseas. This might involve purchase and shipping of equipment and consumables, and potentially also more involved participation such as assisting the PI and PDRAs in equipment design or even opportunities to accompany them at the experiment and gain further handson experience at national/international research facilities

Person Specification

Experience in synchrotron Xray facilities, including coordination of research group activities, such as sample submission and mounting, remote or inperson dataset collection, processing and interpretation of synchrotron data
Ability to analyse informa