Research Associate

Job Purpose 

To make a leading contribution to a project working with Prof Lee Cronin. (www.croninlab.com).

The researcher(s) will be working in the area broad area of chemical robotics with skills combining some expertise and/ or interest in the following areas: robotics, electronics design, microfluidics, optical control, 3D printing, analytics for chemistry. We are looking for someone with experience / wish to learn some of the following: complex chemical systems, reaction diffusion, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

1.      Take a leading role as appropriate in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.      Take a leading role as appropriate in the investigation of complex chemical systems using robotics and analytics. Collaborate with team-members to develop and implement automated platforms for chemical applications.

3.      Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4.      Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.      Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.      Take a leading role as appropriate in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.      Take a leading role as appropriate in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (eg. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8.      Take a leading role as appropriate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.      Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.   Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

11.   Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

12.   Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications 

Essential: 

Al An awarded PhD or equivalent in chemistry/ engineering or a related area

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in the use of robotics and 3D printing technologies in chemistry.

A3 Knowledge of process chemistry, reaction sequence telescoping and sequential reaction planning

A4 Knowledge of reactor design, fluid handling systems and modular design of compact reactor vessels.

A5 Knowledge of programming using Python, Linux, or a similar system.

Desirable:

B1 A Good understanding of the state-of-the-art in systems chemistry or chemical robotics.

Skills 

Essential:

C1 Proven skills in a field relevant to at least one of the following: electronics design, robotics, microfluidics, electrochemistry, synthetic chemistry, optical control, 3D printing, analytics for chemistry.

C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability.

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

CS Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C9 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

Experience 

Essential:

El Sufficient relevant research experience, normally including postdoctoral experience or equivalent

E2 Experience in automation.

E3 Experience of, or willingness to learn, programming.

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E6 Experience in building a compact and portable platform, (worked with miniature electronic or digital devices).

E7 Experience in development, execution and optimization of one-pot multistep reaction systems.

Closing date:  28 February 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.