Research Associate/Fellow(s): Digital Chemistry and Chemputation

Job Purpose

Applications are invited for a position to join the Digital Chemistry and Chemputation team lead by Prof. Lee Cronin (www.croninlab.com) in the area of software and database development for chemputation working in a multidisciplinary team. You will have skills / and / or interested in some of the following: artificial intelligence, organic chemistry, robotics, embedded firmware development, chemical automation, programming, Python programming language, and algorithm development.

You will have extensive experience of software development / PhD in Computing or in Chemistry with a strong computing background or experience of software development from industry.

For appointment at grade 8 some post doctorial experience in multiple areas as listed above, or at the interdisciplinary interface and / or some expertise in research coordination and running a team would be required Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal/Co Investigator:

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Take a role leading the software team in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Take a role in the development of software development for chemputation and database development.

3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4. Survey the literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable strategy.

5. Take a role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

6. Take a role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (eg. Academic and Industrial Partners).

7. Take a role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

8. Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

10. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.

For appointment at Grade 8:

11. Take the lead in identifying and attracting new sources of independent and external research funding and researchers into this research area as opportunities permit to support future research.

12. To present research findings at high profile national and international conferences, seminars and meetings to raise the profile of the research group in order to enhance the research strength of the School.

13. To take a primary role in working with current Cronin-group industrial collaborators, centres, and potential industrial end users as well as identifying and establishing new collaborative agreements to support the research of the group and School.

14. To make a leading contribution to the management of the team/project and sustain an enhanced level of academic outputs and profile.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 PhD in Chemistry / Computing Science with strong software background or equivalent experience acquired in software development.

A2 In depth Knowledge of Python (at least 3.9) programming Language and the use of Regular Expressions and asyncio therein.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.

A4 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques, e.g. Opentrons.

A5 Proficient with Windows and Unix-based operating systems.

A6 Proficiency in Configuration file formats YAML/TOML.

A7 Working knowledge of Git including Gitlab and its CI/CD structure.

For appointment at Grade 8:

A8 Some reputation in, and insight into, a relevant internationally competitive research area.

A9 Knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area

A10 Proven skills in management of teams of researchers and delivery of research output (meetings / publications / reports)

Skills

Essential:

C1 Computer programming with interest in automation in any guise.

C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C9 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

C10 MATLAB or other programming languages (as noted above).

For appointment at Grade 8:

C11 Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate to disseminate findings to colleagues.

C12 Strong cross-discipline collaborative ability, including evidence of working across industry and academia.

C13 Able to work in both industrial and academic environments with a good understanding of key legislative and policy frameworks.

Desirable:

D1 Exploring chemistry using computer-based approaches.

D2 Comfortable developing expertise in multiple fields.

D3 Experience using Amazon Web Services (AWS) products.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience normally including postgraduate experience or equivalent.

E2 Experience of scientific writing.

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E5 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E6 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E7 Experience in undertaking independent research.

E8 Experience of computer programming / modelling.

For appointment at Grade 8 

E9 Experience of leading and contributing to applications for research grants.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

F2 Experience of robotic platforms, feedback control systems and databases.

Closing date:  5 March 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7/8, £39,347 - £44,263 / £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.