Research Fellow (Metal-Organic Framework/Polymer Composites for Medical Devices) - AR7959SB

Start: As soon as possible, Fixed term for 27 months

The University of St Andrews is seeking an inorganic, physical or materials chemist to join a large project aimed at developing Metal-organic framework (MOF)/polymer composites for medical devices. The position is for 27 months and is funded through the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The successful candidate will join the research group of Professor Russell Morris and will form part of a larger interdisciplinary team that involves researchers from other universities (Queen’s University Belfast, University of Edinburgh and the University of the Highlands and Islands), together with several companies.

The role will involve the manufacture of MOFs and their composites with medical grade polymers, with the goal of developing materials that can store and deliver nitric oxide at required concentrations for application in indwelling catheters and devices used in interventional cardiology. The role will include the analysis of the materials’ functional, structural and physical properties using a wide range of techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption/porosimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and electron microscopy. An important part of the role will be an aptitude for helping with the commercialisation of the technologies that are being developed.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in chemistry/related subject (e.g. engineering) or show an aptitude to be of the standard of a PhD student. The candidate should be able to demonstrate an ability to quickly assimilate ideas from different areas. 

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus trave
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff/children of staff, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme and a range of wellbeing initiatives 

Further information can be obtained informally by contacting Professor Russell Morris (rem1@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Miss Morven Duncan (mjd5@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 1 November 2023

Please quote ref: AR7959SB

Further Particulars: AR7959SB FPs.doc

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