Research Associate in Intelligent Flow Processes for Photochemistry

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

The post is funded by the EPSRC Iconic Prosperity Partnership award to investigate the optimisation and scaling-up of photocatalytic reactions for industrial scale manufacturing. 

Working with a major chemical producer and a leading scientific instrument manufacturer, this project: ‘intelligent flow processes for photochemistry’ will focus on the integration of automation and AI-driven optimisation for photocatalytic reactions.  This project will involve the design and assembly of an autonomous flow reactor, integrating key reactor components and analytics to gather reaction data to feed into algorithms for autonomous decision making.  The reactor will be used to optimise and scale-up novel photocatalytic reactions, with a specific focus of gas-liquid phase reactions such as carbonylation.

What you would be doing:

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to carry out research programmes in flow reactor design and assembly, photocatalysis, and autonomous methods. You will need to design and construct flow reactors to conduct photochemical reactions, and implement appropriate inline analytical tools, for the collection and analysis of data. You will also need to undertake project management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams. Alongside this, the successful candidate will need to assist with the analysis of data (in collaboration with Department of Computing). You will also be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of flow chemistry and synthetic chemistry.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and their implementation in processes
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including catalysis, synthetic chemistry, organic methodology, analytical methods and safe laboratory practices.
• Experience in using analytical methods such NMR spectroscopy, IR, UV-Vis, GC etc.
• Experience of dealing with specific groups of people, e.g. sponsors, industrial partners.
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs, with an understanding of Python/Machine Learning methods desirable
• Ability to conduct critical reviews of recent literature
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing succinctly for publication in international scientific journals.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term position for 18 months. You will be based at White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

For informal enquiries about this project, including our ongoing research, please contact Dr Miller: philip.miller@imperial.ac.uk

Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact:

Mrs Genevieve Prescott, BASF IConIC Programme Manager, g.prescott@imperial.ac.uk

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