Research Fellow in Polymer Nanostructures

Job Purpose

• To undertake research into the synthesis of responsive monomers and their polymerisation and characterisation under the supervision of Prof. Rachel O'Reilly.
• Work within a Leverhulme grant with Professor Richard Napier at Warwick in the area of Self-organising nanosensors for imaging morphogenic gradients in plants
• 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 the project collaborators

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree (PhD), or be close to achieving relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent research profile in the area of polymer science with experience in polymer synthesis, functionalization and characterisation (light scattering and microscopy) and also polymer nanoparticle synthesis (via emulsion and/or self-assembly methods) and functionalization (using click chemistries).
• Experience in fluorescence spectroscopy and the utilisation of dyes in materials science is highly desirable It is desirable that the candidate has some experience at the life sciences interface, perhaps with DNA handling and library screening.
• 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, chromatography, MS, DSC, TGA, etc.

Closing Date 13 Mar 2019

Additional Information

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.

Rachel O'Reilly, Professor of Chemistry, r.oreilly@bham.ac.uk, can be contacted for informal enquiries.