Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering

Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322 with potential progression once in post to £42,792

Grade 7

Full Time / Fixed Term Contract up to March 2022

Closing date 3 January 2021

Background

The School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to join the Nano-Formulation Engineering group. The Research Fellow is expected to take a leading role in surface modification and functionalisation using innovative polymers, as part of a national research project developing antiviral strategies.

The project is fast-paced and requires comprehension of complex challenges related to soft matter, both polymers and surfactants, at surfaces and interfaces. An individual with excellent ability of self-discipline, motivation, and initiative would be suitable.

Summary of Role

You will lead the polymer synthesis element of the project, work alongside another research fellow, collaborate with academic teams, and liaise with industrial partners.

You should hold a PhD in Polymer/Material Chemistry, and are experienced in polymer synthesis such as ATRP, RAFT, and polymer characterisation such as NMR, GPC, HP-LC, DLS. Knowledge of polymer at surface/interface would be desirable.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data
• Carry out research and experiments
• Analyse and record data to aid the design of future reach and produce useful findings for project partners
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings
• Write progress report and present work at project meetings
• Support and guide the other group members

Person Specification

• Hold a PhD (or be near to completion) in Polymer/Material Chemistry
• Extensive experience of polymer synthesis such as radical polymerisation
• Excellent skillset in polymer characterisation such as NMR and GPC
• Knowledge of polymer at surface/interface would be desirable
• Experience of disseminating research outcome through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences
• An excellent team player with great initiative

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Zhenyu Zhang, email: Z.J.Zhang@bham.ac.uk or telephone: 0121 415 8695

We value diversity at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

Valuing excellence; sustaining investment