Research Associate/Fellow in Chemical Reactions Using Cold Plasma (fixed term)

As part of an exciting new partnership between University of Nottingham, University of Warwick and Lubrizol we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic chemist or appropriated related discipline for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow post within the research groups of Professor Simon Woodward & Professor Pete Licence based in the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry at the University of Nottingham. This is a highly stimulating project in utilising cold plasma sources to functionalise small organic molecules and requires excellence in contemporary practical and analytical skills; and preferably previous experience in the use of cold plasma sources. All previous experience should be evidenced by your publication/output record. The project will focus on both fixation and degradation of small carbon-based molecules of interest to Lubrizol (www.lubrizol.com) in line with their goal of developing new approaches towards CO₂-free production of speciality chemicals.

Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work in technology-oriented chemistry projects and the flexibility to learn new apparatus, synthesis or analytical skills as required.  An ability to deliver high quality supporting data for publications is also required and you will be expected to routinely provide performance metric data on the transformations developed in the project.

The successful candidate will carry out the following duties:

• Undertake the development of new cold plasma equipment for carbon functionalisation catalysis and process optimisation guided by product distribution assessment as directed by Professors Simon Woodward and Pete Licence
• Prepare high quality supporting data for publications resulting from the project.
• Be involved in day-to-day care of the cold plasma reactor and associated equipment (GC, HPLC)

Candidates must:

• Hold a PhD (or to be close to completion) in reactor-based catalysis in chemistry or a closely related discipline (e.g. chemical engineering), ideally with previous experience in use of cold plasma (this is not essential) 
• Have experience in the evaluation of volatile organic reaction products via GC, HPLC or a related technique 
• Have excellent organisational, communication and team working skills.
• To have an ability to work in experimentally flexible environment, where frequent, but time efficient, modification of equipment may be required

The School of Chemistry values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The School holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing women's careers in science. You can read more about this at www.athenaswan.org.uk and on our website www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/about/athena-swan

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract for 18 months. 

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Simon Woodward or email pczsw@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. 

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