Research Assistant in Heterogeneous Catalysis

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Research Assistant in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff University

We are looking for a motivated scientist to join the heterogeneous catalysis research group at Cardiff, which is one of the largest in the UK and has an internationally recognised profile in the design and understanding of catalysis.

Interested applicants should have a degree in chemistry and preferably a postgraduate degree at PhD level in heterogeneous catalysis (or relevant industrial experience), and experience of gold catalyst synthesis, characterisation and performance evaluation for the reactions of acetylene.

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact: Regius Professor Graham Hutchings, email: hutch@cardiff.ac.uk .

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Ms Alison Blake (BlakeAF@cardiff.ac.uk ; +44 (0)29 2087 4805).

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 January 2021 for 12 months.

To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 10540BR.

Salary: £27,511 - £31,866 per annum (Grade 5). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £30,046 (Grade 5.26).

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 10540BR.

Date advert posted: Friday, 4 December 2020

Closing date: Monday, 21 December 2020

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

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 contribute to research within heterogeneous catalysis, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of research in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments;
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners;
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required;
• To contribute and support research funding bids as required;
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages;
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting;
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of  independent  and original ideas as appropriate;
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team;
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world;
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance;
• 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

A degree in chemistry, or equivalent experience;

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and experience of research methods and techniques within the reactions of acetylene and the use of gold catalysts;

Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately;

Ability to demonstrate the capability and drive to succeed in securing research funding;

Communication and Team Working

Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences;

Excellent organisational and team-working skills;

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work.

Desirable Criteria

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in heterogeneous catalysis (or nearing completion/ submission), or relevant industrial experience;

Evidence of collaborations with industry;

Proven ability to work without close supervision;

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

Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

Additional Information

Project Description

The project will relate to the synthesis, characterisation and testing of gold catalysts for the hydrochlorination of acetylene. The project will involve liaison with the industrial partner Johnson Matthey and will also involve the overseeing of the laboratory investigations and project planning  of PhD students working in this team.

Job Category

Academic - Research