Research Fellow in Polymeric Crystalline Materials - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

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 £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

Closing date: 4th April 2024

UK and global travel may be required for this role

Background

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 100 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students.

We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every member of staff in realising their career potential.

With a strong focus on our four Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest, we are a dynamic place to work.

The University has delivered a state-of-the-art research building (opened in 2024), and new multi-million-pound high-performance computing facilities, which will ensure UK-leading compute capability.

These investments build on a major recent expansion of our academic staff and investment in our teaching and learning provision, with our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which opened September 2018, already revolutionising how we teach undergraduate practical chemistry.

Role Summary
We are looking for a Research Fellow to work in the area of polymer synthesis and crystallisation-driven self-assembly (CDSA). The aim of the project is to develop new polymeric assemblies with adhesive properties and controlled morphologies and dimensions.

The project will be hosted in the Arno lab, in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and is part of a UKRI funded project.

There will also be the opportunity to visit collaborators in the UK.

The postholder will be responsible for all aspects of the project which will include synthesis, data interpretation, nanoparticle characterisation and testing of the adhesive performance using a variety of substrates.

Training will be provided in all of the component techniques but demonstrable experience in a number of the aspects is required.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project it presents an outstanding opportunity to learn more about nanomaterials and property characterisation.

The role will also offer the opportunity to contribute to the development of research strategies within the group as well as co-supervise master students.

Additionally, you will be expected to contribute towards the scientific health of the school of chemistry through outreach and teaching activities and should therefore possess good skills and ideally experience in these areas.

To undertake research into the development of new polymers and to characterise their selfassembly products under the supervision of Dr Maria Chiara Arno
To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
To play an active role within the research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment
To participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators

Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

Perform research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality
Analyse and interpret research findings and results generated from all aspects of the project
Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to support staff and students in the group
Disseminate research through conferences, departmental seminars, outreach activities, etc.
Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
Contribute to Departmental/School researchrelated activities and researchrelated administration
Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality
Maintain a high level of knowledge of the immediate and surrounding literature

Person Specification

First degree in area of specialism and normally a higher degree (PhD or one near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
Excellent research profile in the area of organic and polymer synthesis and/or nanoparticle selfassembly and characteris