Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (NATURE) - School of Chemistry - 97870 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is £38,338 for the duration of the contract

Grade 7

Full Time / Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years

Closing date 1 August 2021

Background

NATURE provides an opportunity for 2 highly motivated early-stage researchers (ESRs) to participate in an EU-Funded project with the aim of developing fundamental knowledge in the synthesis of new biobased polymeric materials, where the polymers are not only design based on their performance but also recyclability. The project is a collaboration between academia and industry, with project partners the University of the Basque Country (Spain) and POLYKEY POLYMERS (Spain). ESRs will be registered on a 36-month PhD programme at the University of Birmingham, with 50% of their time based with an industrial partner.

Summary of Role

NB: To be eligible for this funding you must not have worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to starting in position.

•    To undertake research into the synthesis of sustainably-sourced polymers made by ring-opening polymerisation under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Dove
•    To characterise the molecular and physical properties of the polymers made under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Dove
•    50% of your time will be spent based at the University of Birmingham (including potential secondments to the academic partner at the University of the Basque Country) with the remaining 50% based with the industrial partner for this project, POLYKEY POLYMERS. A relocation allowance will be built into your salary to accommodate this
•    To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
•    To play an active role in the Dove research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may be responsible for maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment
•    Participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators

Main Duties/Responsibilities

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
•    Be trained to perform research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality
•    Maintain a high level of knowledge of the immediate and surrounding literature
•    Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality
•    Analyse and interpret data generated from all aspects of the project
•    Contribute to writing scientific papers 
•    Disseminate research findings by oral and other presentation in a range of fora from group meetings to research seminars and conferences etc.
•    Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
•    Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

•    First degree in Chemistry or relevant area or equivalent qualifications
•    Experience in the area of polymer synthesis, ideally by ring opening polymerisation
•    Experience of air-sensitive synthesis methods (i.e. Schlenk line and/or glove box techniques)
•    High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, TGA etc.
•    Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques
•    Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to the project.
•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes. 
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.
•    Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines.
•    Ability to write and give presentations to both national and international audience standard and communicate complex information clearly.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Andrew Dove, email: [email protected]
 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working