POSITION DETAILS

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2029
Closing date: 17th August 2025

BACKGROUND

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.
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 post holder 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.
We are a collegiate School community. You will demonstrate academic citizenship, develop and maintain generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with the School, ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others carry out theirs.

ROLE SUMMARY

• To undertake research into the crystallisation-driven self-assembly of polyester-based block polymers under the supervision of Prof. Rachel O’Reilly
• To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
• To play an active role in the O’Reilly research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may help to supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment
• Participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators

MAIN DUTIES

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Perform research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality
• Maintain a high level of knowledge of the immediate and surrounding literature
• Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data generated from all aspects of the project
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to writing scientific papers and bids for research funding
• Disseminate research findings by oral and other presentation in a range of fora from group meetings to research seminars and conferences etc .
• Provide guidance and supervision to support staff and students in the group
• Undertake management/administration arising from research including organising project review meetings and seminars.
• 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
• 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.