Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Chemistry

at  Durham University

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Chemistry (Job Number: 25000039)
Department of Chemistry
Grade 7: - £37,999 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 18 Months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 17-Feb-2025, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good first degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Crystallisation or a related subject.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in crystal growth and imaging.

SKILLS

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

EXPERIENCE

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
• Experience in programming (python, MATLAB, LabView).

SKILLS

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Chemistry with a particular emphasis on Crystallisation. The research project is led by Prof. Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza. The successful applicant will help develop a new set-up to study crystal growth of molecular crystals and will collect data on several systems. The project is in collaboration with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) and the fellow is expected to visit them in Cambridge regularly.
The successful applicant will be expected to independently develop a crystal growth set up which uses imaging and image analyses, to automate steps of the process and to analyse the data in a number of systems of pharmaceutical interest. Understanding of crystal growth and knowledge of chemistry/chemical engineering is a must.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
• [Any other specific responsibilities].