Junior Summer Research Student Assistant - Department of Chemistry

at  University of Prince Edward Island

This term position focuses on the development of organometallic species featuring base metals (Ni, Co, Fe) for the development of carboxylate coupling catalysts. This may include but it not limited to carboxylate activation, condensation, esterification, etc. The research student will report to assistant professor Dr. Marissa Clapson and will be expected to contribute to group research, meetings, and the maintenance of a community of respect with other members of the research team. The primary work area will be on campus in the chemistry laboratory performing air-free synthesis utilizing glovebox and Schlenk techniques. A strong understanding of chemical safety is required to be successful in this position. Please email mlclapson@upei.ca for additional details on the proposed research.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of Inorganic I and Organic Chemistry I and II (see UPEI course calendar) or equivalent.
• Candidates must have experience in a synthetic laboratory (organic or inorganic). This experience can be through course laboratory experiences or formal research experiences.
• Previous experience in air-sensitive synthetic techniques (glovebox and Schlenk) will be considered an asset.
• Applicants must have an understanding of chemical safety including WHMIS and will be expected to learn additional safety requirements for the laboratory space.
• WHMIS training
• Synthetic chemistry experience (organic minimum, inorganic preferred)
• Experience with common characterization methods (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, HRMS)
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Experience in organometallic synthetic work including glovebox and Schlenk techniques will be considered an asset. Completion of Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 4860) or equivalent will be considered an asset. Ability to analyze NMR data to assess complex purity and structure is preferred.
  Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.

The candidate will work on the development of organometallic species for small molecule activation with a focus on carboxylate activation, condensation, esterification, etc. Specific responsibilities include:

• Understanding and upholding safety practices within the lab.
• Performing air sensitive synthetic techniques such as the glovebox and Schlenk techniques.
• Characterization of organometallic complexes utilizing standard techniques such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and HRMS.
• Development of concise and repeatable supporting information files for characterized species.
• Participation in group meetings including research and literature presentations.
• Contribution to, and potentially leading, the writing of academic journal articles as part of the project.