Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry

University of Birmingham - School of Chemistry

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to November 2028

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.

We are looking for a Research Fellow to work in the area of polymer characterisation, including polymeric material and self-assembled polymer particle characterisation. The project will be hosted in the groups of Prof. Rachel O’Reilly and Prof. Andrew Dove in the School of Chemistry.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting laboratory running and research project delivery in the area of polymer science, including characterising data collection interpretation. Training will be provided in all of the component techniques but demonstrable experience in a number of the aspects is required. It is expected that the postholder will have:

• completed, or be close to completing an experimental PhD in polymer science
• significant experience in polymer synthesis and characterisation, across a wide range of techniques including molecular characterisation techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, GPC etc. as well as thermomechanical analysis such as DSC, DMTA etc. and particle characterisation including light scattering, TEM and AFM.

Role Summary

Support laboratory running and research project delivery in the area of polymer science under the supervision of Prof. Rachel O’Reilly and Prof Andrew Dove. Attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; contribute to papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals; 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.

• Manage research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality
• Provide guidance and supervision to support staff and students in the group
• Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance projects and enhance research quality
• Analyse and interpret data generated from all aspects of the project
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to writing scientific papers and bids for research funding
• Disseminate research findings by oral and other presentation in a range of fora from group meetings to research seminars and conferences etc
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Person Specification

• Possess a first degree in area of specialism.
• Has obtained or is preparing to defend a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of polymer synthesis, polymer characterisation, self assembly, thermomechanical properties of polymers.
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, TGA, DMTA etc.

Informal enquiries to Andrew Dove, email: a.dove@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply button above.