Research Fellow in Synthetic Supramolecular Chemistry

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham seeks a Research Fellow in Synthetic Supramolecular Chemistry to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

The School of Chemistry seeks to attract outstanding, inspirational and talented people, supporting them to succeed and celebrating their success. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, in recognition of its work in promoting women's careers in higher education. The University of Birmingham is a member institution of the Race Equality Charter, a Disability Confident Employer and contributes to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We support flexible working and studying.

Our research is driven by four core themes — Energy, Sustainability, Environment, and Health — complemented by interdisciplinary Interest Groups, serving as catalysts for emerging ideas. Major University investment in our subject enabled the 2024 opening of our state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building.

Main Duties:

- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Analyse and interpret data
- Running synthetic organic chemistry experiments in a laboratory setting
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification:

Essential:
- Hold a first degree in Chemistry and PhD in synthetic chemistry including multi-step synthesis of compounds
- Knowledge of executing luminescence studies and calculating quantum yields
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Desirable:
- Experience of analytical chemistry e.g. titration experiments
- Experience of characterisation of gel materials

The University is committed to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.