Internal Only - Research Associate in Flow Electrochemistry

12132BR

Cardiff School of Chemistry

Research

Advert

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Only - Research Associate in Flow Electrochemistry
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff University

We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a Flow Electrochemistry project. The 12-month project, funded by the SMART Partnerships, Welsh Government and involves a collaboration between Professor Wirth (School of Chemistry) and BAE Systems.

The overall focus of the programme is to contribute to improved sustainability by establishing a general protocol for the nitration of organic compounds by integration of flow electrochemical processes. Experience of organic synthesis, with flow chemistry equipment and with a range of characterisation methods are highly desirable.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant area of Synthetic Chemistry, or relevant industrial experience.

Further information is available at the following group webpages:
Prof. Thomas Wirth: http://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/wirth/    

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Prof. Thomas Wirth, email: [email protected].

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Caroline Pasmore: [email protected]

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 October 2021 for 1 year. 

To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 12132BR.

Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £35,845 (Grade 6.32).

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element. 

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 12132BR.

Closing date: Wednesday, 4 August 2021

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research within flow electrochemistry and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research
•    To conduct research within flow electrochemistry and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students;

•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals;

•    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required;

•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting;

•    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate;

•    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field;

•    To participate in School research activities;

•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile;

•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance;

•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world;

•    To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion;

•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Organic Chemistry or equivalent or relevant industrial experience 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    Organic Chemistry
ii.    Electrochemistry

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in organic electrochemistry

4.    Proven ability to publish in international journals)

5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria

1.     Track record of successful participation in multidisciplinary project teams 

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry

3.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

4.    Evidence of ability to participate in, develop both internal and external networks, and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

5.    Fluency in Welsh, written and oral

Additional Information

Our research program will contribute to improved sustainability by establishing a general protocol for the nitration of organic compounds by integration of flow electrochemical processes. Previously highly hazardous processes will now become safe to operate by exploiting the synthetic potential of flow microreactors in electrochemistry.

Methods requiring large amounts of reagents are replaced by sustainable sequences using electricity. Fast analysis of flow reactions through direct coupling will lead to fast (and computer-led) decisions for optimising complete processes.

Job Category

Academic - Research