Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to March 2029

Background

We are looking for a Research Fellow to work in the area of crystallisation-driven self-assembly of polyester-based block polymers. The project will be hosted in the group of Prof. Rachel O’Reilly in the School of Chemistry. 

The postholder will be responsible for the entire project from polymer synthesis, crystallisation-driven self-assembly, characterising data collection interpretation. Training will be provided in all of the component techniques but demonstrable experience in a number of the aspects is required.

The role will also offer the opportunity to contribute to the development of research strategies within the group as well as cosupervise masters students in the development of broader supervisory skills. Additionally, you will be expected to contribute towards the scientific health of the school of chemistry through activities such as outreach or teaching activities and should therefore possess good skills and ideally experience in some of these areas.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 130 academic and research staff, 25 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, Birmingham is a dynamic place to work. We have ambitious plans to expand our research activity and are in an exciting period of growth: major investment from the University has delivered a state-of-the-art molecular sciences research building. This investment builds on a major recent expansion of our academic staff and investment in our teaching and learning provision, with our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which opened September 2018, already revolutionising how we teach undergraduate practical chemistry.

Person Specification

• Possess a first degree in area of specialism 
• Has obtained or is close to completing a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of ring-opening polymerisation, RAFT polymerisation and crystallisation-driven self assembly
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, TGA etc.
• Proven experience in nanomaterials characterisation methodologies such as (but not limited to) light scattering, TEM, AFM etc.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to the project.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes. 
• Adept at analysing and interpreting data.
• Able to apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Rachel K. O’Reilly, email: 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' button above.

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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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