Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026 

Role Summary

• To undertake research into the catalytic depolymerisation of poly (ethylene terephthalate) under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Dove.
• To design, characterise and study the heterogenisation of a range of catalysts for depolymerisation of plastics on responsive polymer supports under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Dove.
• To produce regular 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 Dove 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
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry and normally, a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of polymer synthesis, preferably in controlled radical polymerisation and responsive polymers.
• An interest in catalysis, preferably organic catalysis and/or polymer synthesis/depolymerisation.
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of small molecules and polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, TGA etc.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to the project.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research.

Informal enquiries to Andrew Dove, email: a.dove@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 23rd April 2025

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