Research Fellow

To be an active member of the research project to investigate the synthesis of nanoparticles to create multifunctional
nanocomposites.

MAJOR DUTIES:
Develop a thorough understanding of, and proficiency in, the synthesis of metal and/or metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled
quality, and produce these as part of the research project.
Design, develop and refine experimental apparatus, suitable for synthesis of nanocomposites incorporating metal/metal oxide
nanoparticles.
Familiarisation with key problems in nanocomposite fabrication and application, such as agglomeration, interface interaction,
etc.
Design and execute an experimental plan to develop and produce nanocomposites with optimized
structure/properties/functionality.
Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group and research partners, disseminate and
publicise research findings.
Prepare, in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in leading international journals and conferences.
Assist the principle investigator in the preparation of new funding proposals.
Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project to ensure that project is completed on time and within
budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation, financial control, risk assessment of research
activities.
Assist in the supervision of undergraduates/postgraduates attached to the project.
Carry out occasional lecturing duties within the post holder’s area of expertise and under the direct guidance of a member of academic staff. 1 Keep abreast of developments in the specific area of research and related disciplines. Planning and Organising:

Develop a planned programme of work based on the overall project plan.
Plan the various test programmes and ensure that resources and facilities are available at required times.
Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
Plan up to 3 months in advance to meet deadlines for journal / conference publications and to prepare presentations and papers
for conferences.
Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group / partners over work progress. Resource Management Responsibilities:
Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any PhD/MSc/UG students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships:
Liaise on a regular basis with colleagues, students and research partners.
Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future
collaboration.
Join external networks to share information and ideas.
Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by establishing links with local community groups, industries etc.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD.
At least 3 years relevant research experience.
A thorough understanding of, and practical experience in, metal or metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis and characterization.
Experience in design/set up of room temperature plasma equipment.
Experience in design and execution of experiments.
Experience of using any of the following material characterisation techniques: TEM, SEM, UV-Vis, Zeta-potential, FTIR, XPS,
XRD.
Evidence of writing of peer reviewed journal publications.
Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in instrumentation and operation of plasma processing technologies to
work within established research programmes.
Knowledge/ skills with nanomaterials synthesis and materials surface functionalization.

Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
1 Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
1 Demonstrable intellectual ability. Ability to assess and organise resources

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
Experience in proposal writing and research programme development.
An understanding polymer composite materials and their utilisation.
Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc.
Experience of conference presentation
Evidence of interaction with multi-disciplinary team members.