Research Fellow in DNA Templated Synthesis

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to July 2024 

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 100 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every member of staff in realising their career potential. With a strong focus on our four Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest, we are a dynamic place to work.

Job Summary

You will join the O’Reilly Group, which develops path-finding biomimetic materials science. Group members focus on novel approaches to polymer synthesis and design through manipulation of the constituents and architecture of extended molecular chains. Inspired by the science of nature, O’Reilly Group researchers work across disciplines to engineer nanoparticles and create new approaches to nanotechnologies. Our work results in self-assembling ‘living machines’, responsive fluorescent probes, and molecules capable of precisely controlled release or cascade reactions. This fundamental research enables useful applications in personalised medicine, environmental safety and drug delivery.

The Research Fellow in DNA Templated Synthesis is expected to contribute to a wide range of research, in particular to undertake research into DNA nanotechnology and its application for materials discovery under the supervision of Prof. Rachel O’Reilly, responding to academic needs and timelines as required. The project work will be carried out within an EPSRC grant entitled ‘An Artificial Ribosome’ in collaboration with Professor Andrew Turberfield, University of Oxford. The Research Fellow will also contribute to publications, new grant proposal writing, and PhD student supervision.

The scope of the role will be wide-ranging and may include some of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Conduct own and original research to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge under the direction of the PI
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• To disseminate research through journal and conference publications
• To evaluate and constructively improve the research of other members of the research group.
• To interact with both academic and industrial collaborators as appropriate, building internal and external contacts and networks.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• To assist in training others where relevant and to ensure the laboratories to meet health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Candidates will need to have a first degree in area of specialism and hold a higher degree (PhD) in synthetic chemistry .

For further information please contact Prof. Rachel O’Reilly, r.oreilly@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/2140/?utm_medium=jobshare

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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

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