Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,924

Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

2 Positions available 

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community with over 80 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. With a strong focus on its three main research themes, energy, sustainability and health, and a number of interdisciplinary interest groups, the School has ambitious plans to grow research activity; combined with investment from the University for the new Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (opened September 2018) and Molecular Sciences Research Building (opened in 2023/24), we are entering an exciting period.

We are seeking applications for a research fellow position to support all activities in Dr Ruchi Gupta’s group, and specifically to develop photodegradable materials for capture and selective release of biomarkers in biological fluids, development of analytical methods for measurement of biomarkers, and benchmarking against state-of-the-art methods. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Drs Melissa Grant and Malgorzata Wiench (both: School of Dentistry). Successful delivery will have revolutionary impact on early detection of diseases such as cancer.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completed a PhD in Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications.
• Significant experience in organic synthesis of monomers and crosslinkers with photoremovable protecting groups and dyes/fluorophores/probes.
• Significant experience in purification and characterisation (e.g., HPLC, NMR, IR, MS) methods, and formation of materials including polymers and hydrogels without and with dyes/fluorophores/probes.
• Experience in using electrospinning.
• Experience in using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectrometers, and microplate readers.
• Experience in handling biological samples and performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in relevant research fields.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, both as a leader and team member, on research programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement, and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to write and give presentations and communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to install and maintain a broad range of equipment within the group and to train other personnel on their operation.

For further information please contact Dr Ruchi Gupta, r.gupta.3@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 6119.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above or visit our careers website. Please quote Job Ref 103333 in all enquiries. 

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, and the School of Chemistry welcomes flexible working to suit family or other commitments. The University has on-campus childcare facilities. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in STEM subjects in higher education.

Closing date: 14th January 2025

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