Research Fellow in Polymer Synthesis - School of Chemistry - 97561 - Grade 7

Position Details

Area: School of Chemistry in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,322 with potential progression once in post to £42,792. PLEASE NOTE - As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum starting salary that can be offered is £30,942

Band/Grade: Grade 7

Hours: Full time

Duration: Fixed term for up to 10 months

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Closing Date: 4 July 2021

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

Summary of Role

• To undertake research into the synthesis of polymers, polymer nanoparticles and polymer gels and their characterisation under the supervision of Prof. Rachel O'Reilly.
• To support research within the group to solve problems, collaborate and innovate in scientific directions for the group.
• To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the projects as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; attend national and international conferences giving poster and oral presentations; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals, proof reading of papers and reports and draft grant proposals.
• To play an active role in the O'Reilly research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You will supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment.
• Participate in the collaborative meetings and work with any project collaborators

Main Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Perform research and collect data in agreed areas to a high level of competency and quality
• Maintain a high level of knowledge of the immediate and surrounding literature for your own project
• Lead on the development of new ideas, directions, research objectives, techniques and methods in order to advance your research
• Analyse and interpret data generated from your work
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Draft scientific papers and significantly contribute to the improvement of other scientific papers originating in the group
• Disseminate research findings by oral and other presentation in a range of formats from group meetings to research seminars and conferences etc.
• Demonstrate leadership through constructive criticism and questioning in group meetings and other suitable fora for scientific discussion
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to support staff and students in the group
• Undertake management/administration arising from own research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and hold or be close to completing a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area controlled polymer synthesis, particularly self-assembly and reversible gel formation
• Proven experience in polymer synthesis (specifically RAFT and/or ROMP) and their characterisation (MS, NMR and SEC).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to own research projects
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, both as a leader and team member, on research programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to write and give presentations to both national and international audience standard and communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to install and maintain relevant equipment and to train other personnel on operation of the broad range of equipment maintained within the group
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers and materials by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, light scattering, chromatography, MS, DSC, TGA, etc.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Rachel O'Reilly; r.oreilly@bham.ac.uk

The University is a family-friendly employer and the School of Chemistry welcomes flexible working to suit family or other commitments. The University has on-campus childcare facilities.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.