Research Fellow in Inorganic Materials Chemistry

Functional, Inorganic, Materials & Supramolecular Chemistry

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £34,980 to £38,205 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 36 months
Closing Date:  Friday 01 March 2024
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2607824EB

We are looking to recruit a Research Fellow in Inorganic Materials Chemistry to develop novel heterojunction water-splitting photocatalysts as part of an EPSRC funded project on a 36 month contract. You will join a team supervised by Dr Geoff Hyett, based at the University of Southampton, one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities. Chemistry at Southampton has a national and international reputation for excellence with world-leading facilities for materials and energy research, including the National Crystallography Service, providing access to cutting edge X-ray and electron diffraction instrumentation.

Your role in the project will be to pioneer a new approach to the generation of solar ‘green’ hydrogen, combining heterojunction photocatalysts to maximise the capture of solar energy, while maintaining high quantum efficiency. During this project you will carry out the synthesis of the heterojunction photocatalysts, and then characterise them using diffraction, spectroscopic techniques, and photocatalytic measurements. You will aid in the dissemination of the findings of the research by taking a lead in preparing material for publication in refereed journals and presenting work at conferences. You will be involved in supervision of undergraduate project students, and be expected to adhere to and support our strict safety standards. You may also be required to take part in teaching duties, under the guidance of a member of academic staff.

To qualify for this position you will be expected to have PhD in chemistry, materials science or a related field. Experience of one or more of the following would also be desirable: hydrothermal synthetic methods, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, or photocatalytic materials. You will be able to show evidence of your ability to organise research activity to a high standard and to meet deadlines. You will be able to effectivity communicate in written and verbal form, and to engage the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience. 

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality.  The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.  Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness.  Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.