Research Associate

Job Purpose

To perform research in one or more areas of research of relevance to the Gregory group; for example: sustainable energy (e.g. hydrogen and gas storage, solid state batteries, thermoelectrics), sustainable materials processing (e.g. microwave synthesis of solids) and the solid state chemistry of non-oxides and nanomaterials. To synthesise, characterise and test inorganic materials. To be responsible for equipment and to undertake modest teaching and/or administration as requested by the Principal Investigator or Head of School.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To survey the literature, appreciate relevant research challenges and develop a suitable research strategy.
2. To prepare, structurally characterise and measure properties of relevant materials.
3. To engage with and collaborate with research partners in fulfilling the research objectives of the group.
4. To maintain active and current knowledge of the literature, both direct and more broadly, relating to the group’s research areas.
5. To present research results at regular group and departmental meetings and at national and international meetings.
6. To participate in (and lead where appropriate) research group activities.
7. Play a significant role in acquisition, protocols for use, maintenance and integration of instrumentation and in setting up theoretical models or analysis strategies.
8. To take the lead on writing papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and deciding on appropriate journals with the PI.
9. To take a lead in the drafting of applications for funding, as requested by the PI.
10. To develop external collaborations pro-actively and maintain them.
11. When requested by the PI, to take the lead in the planning and supervision of undergraduate student project, postgraduate (PhD) students and Research Staff through day to day mentoring and longer term in planning research objectives, and assist in undergraduate teaching.