Jobs

    Assistant Professor in Automated Chemistry - Midlothian, United Kingdom - Heriot-Watt University

    Heriot-Watt University
    Heriot-Watt University Midlothian, United Kingdom

    3 weeks ago

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    Full time
    Description

    Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

    Salary: Grade 8 (£45,585-£56,021)

    Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Open Ended

    Detailed Description

    The Institute of Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK is seeking applications for a faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the fields Automated Chemistry. This position encompasses ideas of automating chemical synthesis in a wide variety of novel ways including flow, AI, robotics etc. The successful candidate will commence their role in autumn 2024.

    The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, with a focus on expanding curriculum offerings related to green and sustainable chemistry principles and practices. Additionally, they will be expected to develop and lead innovative research initiatives, securing external funding to support their endeavours.

    The candidate's research focus should complement the ongoing activities within our Institute, particularly within our research groups focused on Materials Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Synthetic Chemistry. Collaboration opportunities also exist within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (see below).

    Moreover, the faculty member will have unique opportunities to collaborate with the multi-disciplinary Global Research Institutes at Heriot-Watt University, including the newly established Global Research Institute in iNetZ+ net zero, the national Robotarium, and beyond This interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across various fields, providing exciting prospects for impactful research and innovation in green and sustainable processes.

    Key Duties and Responsibilities

    The successful applicant, as part of an active teaching and research team, will be responsible for the following key activities:

  • Engaging in research and actively contributing to the university's research profile;
  • Actively pursuing research funding through the submission of high-quality grant proposals;
  • Establishing collaborative research and teaching links outside the university via funding councils, industry, business and public bodies;
  • Developing cross-Research Institute, School, University, and external research links and networks, with a view to maximising research funding opportunities and associated activities;
  • Contributing to School, Institute and research group strategic planning where required, as well as carrying out general research administration;
  • Disseminating research through the preparation and submission of journal and conference papers and participating in academic conferences;
  • Representing the institution in a professional capacity, particularly with regard to research dissemination and development e.g., conferences, meetings, with industrial partners, etc.;
  • Supervising and mentoring undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research associates' research work;
  • Teaching through the delivery of lectures, tutorials and laboratories, assessing the relevant students' work as well as setting and marking examinations and coursework;
  • Designing and developing teaching materials and new teaching methods, using personal research to inform teaching where appropriate;
  • Carrying out general academic administration, including participation on committees and exam boards, taking responsibility for key discipline-specific administration tasks and mentoring students;
  • Undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff development activities.
  • Education, Qualifications and Experience

    Essential

  • Applicants must possess a doctorate in Chemistry and postdoctoral (or related postgraduate, or industrial) experience with specialisation in some aspect of automated chemistry, from an accredited university at time of appointment for this position.
  • It is expected that successful candidates have a willingness and capability to develop and deliver teaching for core chemistry programmes as well as programmes relevant to the expertise of the role holder, and contribute to the development of new UG and PGT ones.
  • Record of published research commensurate with years of experience.
  • An ability to develop and sustain a research program that will lead to original, peer-reviewed publications and competitive funding bids, and allow mentoring of students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
  • Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with university colleagues and in an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
  • Desirable

  • Establish a research program that synergises with the existing expertise of faculty members in the Institute of Chemistry, focusing on innovative applications of automated chemistry principles to address contemporary challenges.
  • Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated intercultural competence with diverse groups in teaching, research and/or service.
  • Prior successful teaching experience and demonstrated commitment to student success.
  • Prior PhD/Masters student supervision.
  • A track record of obtaining competitive research funding.
  • About EPS

    The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) has an international teaching and research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

    Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in five research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering. In REF2021 our joint submission to Engineering with the University of Edinburgh was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for quality and breadth of research based upon the standard Research Power formula as used by the Times Higher Education.

    We deliver teaching across six programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical & Process Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Brewing & Distilling, and will soon add Aerospace Engineering to our undergraduate programme portfolio. In the recent Time/Sunday Time University Guide 2022, Heriot-Watt University was ranked 30th in the UK and 6th in Scotland. Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is one of the largest programmes with approximately 1100 students across its UG and PG programmes delivered on three campuses.