Research Fellow (Sustainable Steel Manufacturing) (104583-0110)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
WMG
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick
Vacancy Overview
Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2022
Do you have a strong track record in experimental research involving slag, metal and gas at high temperatures and under controlled gas atmospheres?
WMG, a world renowned department at the University of Warwick, are recruiting a Research Fellow to undertake research on an EPSRC funded project ‘ Uncovering fundamental mechanisms to enable sustainable steel manufacturing’. You will contribute to the project using your sound knowledge of steel manufacturing processes as well as using your experience and skills in experimental and theoretical study of high temperature slag-metal-gas reactions to establish a sound research base within the department in order to pursue individual and collaborative research at a high level.
Educated to PhD level with an honours degree of a 2:1 or above, in a relevant discipline, you should be able to work independently as well as being part of team. You should also have effective communication skills, written and oral, to enable you to secure external funding through research grants, and to publish research outcomes in the appropriate journal, increasing your research portfolio.
We will provide a great range of benefits which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, some fantastic savings on a wide range of products and services, and excellent learning and development opportunities.
At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£30,497). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure (£31,406).
Job Description
Job Purpose
You will undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Assist the Project Leader and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project.
Project Specific Responsibilities
• To contribute to the areas of theoretical and experimental study of slag-metal-gas reactions in complex metallurgical processes with a focus on alternative iron making process and scrap recycling.
• To study the reactions (mechanisms and rates) of different carbonaceous materials and gas fuel with slag, metal and gases.
• To publish research findings in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Principal Accountabilities
Research and scholarship
1. Help establish a sound research base within the department in order to assist the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
2. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
3. Write up research work for publication.
4. Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
5. May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes, to support a developing research agenda.
6. May present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
7. May contribute to the preparation of papers for steering groups and other bodies.
8. Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
9. Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
Teaching and Learning Support
1. Could be expected to contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the department.
2. Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
3. May be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
Administration and Other Activities
1. May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
2. Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
3. Work within budget constraints.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Criteria Notes
Good honours degree and possession of a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in relevant discipline in Materials Sciences (including Metallurgy), Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Geology (a)
Essential Criteria 1
Strong track-record in experimental research (including equipment design and maintenance) involving slag, metal and gas at high temperatures and under controlled gas atmospheres (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 2
Proven experience/ skills in theoretical study (analysis or simulation) of high temperature slag-metal-gas reactions (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 3
Knowledge/ experience/ skills in in-situ and ex-situ characterisation of slag, metal and gas (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 4
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field evidenced by high quality, peer-reviewed, academic publications (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 5
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output (a,c)
Essential Criteria 6
Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 7
Ability or potential to contribute to the development of funding proposals in order to generate external funding to support research projects (a,c)
Essential Criteria 8
An understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content (a,c)
Essential Criteria 9
Good effective communication (oral and written) skills, presentation and training skills (a,c,d)
Essential Criteria 10
Good interpersonal skills (a,c)
Essential Criteria 11
Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team and contribute positively to a collegial team environment and to be able to work independently (a,c)
Essential Criteria 12
Ability to initiate, plan organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines (a,c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Ability to write research reports and papers in styles accessible to both academic and, where relevant, industry audiences (a,c)
Further Particulars
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Closing Date
18 Oct 2021