Research Fellow - School of Chemistry - 100179

Position Details 

School of Chemistry 
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK 
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,348 to £42,155, with potential progression once in post to £44,737  
Grade 7  
Full Time Fixed Term Contract up to 31 July 2024
Closing Date: 4 September 2022

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

This post is for a researcher within the Horizon Europe project AMBHER (Ammonia And MOF Based Hydrogen Storage for Europe). As part of a wider project team, this role will focus on the development of active catalysts for ammonia synthesis under milder conditions than traditional Haber-Bosch, with the aim to incorporate those catalysts in a working catalytic membrane reactor. The research will focus on synthesising and testing such catalysts, with a focus on synthesis routes which are feasible for scale-up processes. Together with partners in central facilities characterisation, the researcher will develop a deeper understanding of the mechanism of catalytic action in order to facilitate further catalyst optimisation.

Summary of Role

•    To undertake research in the synthesis, characterisation and testing of ammonia synthesis catalysts based on metal-nitrogen-hydrogen materials (e.g. metal amides/imides/nitride-hydrides) under the supervision of Dr Josh Makepeace as part of the AMBHER research project.
•    To liaise and collaborate with other members of the AMBHER project team to deliver the project aims.
•    To analyse and interpret experimental results and communicate those results through articles for peer-reviewed scientific journals, poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences, and other written/multimedia forms for dissemination to a wider non-specialist audience.
•    To play an active role in the Makepeace research group and wider materials chemistry group in the School of Chemistry by participating and presenting in group meetings, contributing to the operation of the communal laboratories, assisting with the supervision of research students, maintenance and training on relevant laboratory equipment.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
•    Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
•    Perform research; collect, analyse and interpret data to a high level of competency and quality.
•    Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
•    Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc. This includes attendance and engagement with project consortium meetings.
•    Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to MSci and PhD students where appropriate.
•    Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods in catalyst evaluation.
•    Undertake management/administration arising from research.
•    Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
•    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.
•    Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
•    Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
•    Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
•    Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. 
•    Contribute to writing bids for research funding.

Person Specification

•    First degree in area of specialism and normally, to have completed or be nearing completion of a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
•    High level experimental and analytical capability in catalyst synthesis, characterisation and testing, and air-sensitive sample handling.
•    Experience in relevant analysis techniques and protocols including X-ray and neutron diffraction, TGA, MS, Raman/IR spectroscopy, Rietveld analysis etc.
•    Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills for working as part of a research team and interacting with collaborators.
•    Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
•    Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
•    Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
•    Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
•    Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Joshua Makepeace; [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.