Internal - Research Associate in Nano-vibrational Surface Spectroscopy

Advert

Internal Applicants only - 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.

Research Associate in Nano-Vibrational Surface Chemistry
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff University

We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to be part of the team running PiFM, the new Nanovibrational Surface Spectroscopy system in the Translational Research Hub.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant area with direct experience of using and interpreting PiFM and XPS.

For informal enquiries about the role and the PiFM, please contact Prof. Phil Davies, ([email protected] ; Tel. +44 (0)29 2087 4072 ).

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Ms Sian Moseley ([email protected] )

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 April 2024 until 16 November 24.

To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 18425BR.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). It is not anticipated that an appointment be made above £39,347 (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 18425BR.

Closing date: Wednesday, 27 March 2024

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.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University .

Job Description

Main Function
To manage the photo induced force microscope and provide a nano-vibrational spectroscopy service to users. To conduct research in the synthesis and surface analysis of nanoparticles by nano-vibrational spectroscopy and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in 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 field of surface chemistry 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 ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties;
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity;
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in surface chemistry, or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

Advanced spectroscopy including Nano-vibrational spectroscopy

Practical experience of PiFM

Knowledge of current status of research in surface chemistry and Nano-vibrational spectroscopy

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals, national conferences or other research outputs

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

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

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

Other

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

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

Evidence of collaborations with industry.

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

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

Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

Additional Information

The project will study the application of Photo induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) to understanding materials and mechanisms in the surface chemistry of a very wide range of processes. Research will focus on the development of the PiFM technique as a quantitative as well as qualitative probe of catalytic and/or biological systems. The candidate will work in collaboration with scientist from a very wide range of backgrounds.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (18425BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Job Category

Academic - Research