Research Fellow in Anti-Soiling Coatings

This position is available to work on the synthesis of precursors for the deposition of anti-soiling coatings via atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD), which will be achieved through the development of rare-earth oxide precursors. The objective of this research is to develop and test thin inorganic rare-earth oxide coatings for application to solar cover glass. The hydrophobic coating will be low surface energy to reduce the adhesion to soiling. The ideal coating will be capable of being applied at industrial scale using an APCVD process that is compatible with glass manufacturing. Use of the coating will significantly improve the practical power output of solar modules and will have worldwide impact. The appointee will work as part of an established research team of PhD and Masters students within the Department of Chemistry at UCL, and is a collaborative project with the University of Loughborough. A key component of the research will include air/moisture sensitive synthesis, thin film deposition and data analysis of all produced materials. The appointee will play a leading role in the research team, including supervising and training existing group members. The position is funded by the EPSRC and is available immediately and for up to12 months. The candidate will join Professor Ivan Parkin and Professor Claire Carmalt’s research teams in the Department of Chemistry at the Bloomsbury Campus of University College London.

The post is a UCL grade 7 post, the salary for which ranges from £42,099 to £50,585 per annum (including London Allowance of £4,500 p.a.). Starting salary is usually £42,099. upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332 - £38,966 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,000) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

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The postholder will be required to develop new precursors for the rare earth metal oxides. A key feature of the project will be to investigate the deposition of thin films utilising the precursors – both lab- and large scale films: bringing together Schlenk synthesis skills with materials deposition and characterisation. Materials characteristics of the deposited films will be probed for their hydrophobicity for application as anti-soiling coatings. Experimental work will be carried out independently but also as part of a team of researchers based in the Chemistry Department, and through collaborations with Loughborough University. The postholder will be expected to supervise PhD and Masters students, assisting experimentally with their research projects, where necessary, and reading drafts of reports and papers, as well as managing lab safety.