Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

13675BR

Cardiff School of Chemistry

Research

Advert

Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
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 synthetic organic chemistry project. The 12-month project, funded by the EPSRC, will be in the research group of Dr Rebecca Melen (Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry).

The overall focus of the programme is the use of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) or other metal free catalysts in catalytic reactions. Experience with air-sensitive synthetic techniques and 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 webpage:
Dr Rebecca Melen: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38512-melen-rebecca

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Rebecca Melen: e-mail [email protected] ; Tel. +44 (0)29 2087 9667).

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore ([email protected] ; Tel. +44 (0)29 2087 4073).

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 September 2022 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: 13675BR.

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £35,326 per annum (Grade 6.31)

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 13675BR.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Closing date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

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.

“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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research within organic synthesis and catalysis 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 organic synthesis and catalysis 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

1.           Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a relevant area of Synthetic Chemistry, or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.           An established expertise and proven portfolio of research organic synthesis and catalysis or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

i.            Catalysis;

ii.           Organic synthesis.

3.           Knowledge of current status of research in organic synthesis, boron chemistry, catalysis;

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

10.         Relevant professional qualification(s);

11.         Evidence of collaborations with industry;

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

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

14.         Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

Additional Information

This project is in the area of boron catalysis and the applications of boranes and other non-metal systems in synthetic transformations and catalysis.

Job Category

Academic - Research