Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic/Polymer Chemistry

Research Centre

School of Chemical Sciences

Post title

Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic/Polymer Chemistry

Level on Framework

Level 1

Post duration

Up to 11 Months fixed term contract

Dublin City University

Dublin City University www.DCU.ie is a young, ambitious and vibrant University, with a mission ‘to transform lives and societies through education, research, innovation and engagement’. Known as Ireland’s ‘University of Enterprise and Transformation’, it is committed to the development of talent, and the discovery and translation of knowledge that advances society and the economy. DCU is the Sunday Times Irish University of the Year 2021.

The University is based on three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra region of north Dublin. It currently has more than 18,000 students enrolled across five faculties – Science and Health, DCU Business School, Computing and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and DCU Institute of Education. DCU is committed to excellence across all its activities. This is demonstrated by its world-class research initiatives, its cutting-edge approach to teaching and learning, its focus on creating a transformative student experience, and its positive social and economic impact. This exceptional commitment on the part of its staff and students has led to DCU’s ranking among the top 2% of universities globally. It also consistently features in the world’s Top 100 Young Universities (currently in QS Top 70 Under 50, Times Higher Top 150 Under 100).

DCU is placed 84th in the world, in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings – measuring higher education institutions’ contributions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past decade, DCU has also been the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer, as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.

Background & Role

The School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University invites applications for a senior postdoctoral researcher in polymer synthesis chemistry to work on a collaborative project on the development of compositable polymers and polymer networks. The position is available from December 2022 with the possibility of an extension dependant on funding available and ongoing requirements for the project.

The goal of this specific project is to develop a method for isolating monomer molecules from waste material and using these to produce high molecular weight polymers. The project will involve collaboration with the Schools of Physical Sciences, Biotechnology, and Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health in Dublin City University.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to their Principal Investigator the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator, with a specific focus on the design and execution of synthetic polymer processes
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, with a specific focus on completing funding reports and preparing presentations and material for funding reviews
• Supervise and assist undergraduate and postgraduate students working in this area with their research
• Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators
• Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary, including supporting the Principal Investigator in tendering for equipment and instruments required for the project

Minimum Criteria

Applicants should have a PhD in organic/polymer synthesis. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to work in collaborative projects and possess excellent communication skills.

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of polymer chemistry and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example national funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications and project funding reviews

Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers, the wider research community, and review panels

Managing & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage and deliver on a research project including the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students

Essential Training

The post holder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health and Safety and Intellectual Property and Data Protection training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary: IUA Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale Postdoc level 1 €41,209 - €47,477

*Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be made on the appropriate point of the IUA Researcher salary scale, in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: Wednesday 16th November 2022

For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Dr. Susan Kelleher, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University.

Phone + 353 (0)1 7006167

Email: [email protected]

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.

Application procedure:

Application forms are available from the DCU Current Vacancies website at https://www.dcu.ie/hr/vacancies-current-vacancies-external-applicants

Applications should be submitted by e-mail with your completed application form and CV to [email protected]

Please clearly state the role that you are applying for in your application and email subject line:

#RF1622a Postdoctoral Researcher Polymer Chemistry

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer. In line with the Employment

Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. The University’s

Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs