Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry - School of ChemistryGrade 7

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 36130 to 45413 with potential progression once in post to 48149

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 OReilly 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 OReilly
• 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 OReilly 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.

Person Specification

• Possess a first degree in area of specialism
• Has obtained or is close to completing a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of ring-opening polymerisation RAFT polymerisation and crystallisation-driven self assembly
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR IR chromatography DSC TGA etc.
• Proven experience in nanomaterials characterisation methodologies such as (but not limited to) light scattering TEM AFM 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
• Adept at analysing and interpreting data
• Able to apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• 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 to both national and international audience standard and communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to install and maintain relevant equipment and to train other personnel on operation of this equipment
• Excellent writing skills and record of success in published papers

Informal enquiries to Prof. Rachel K. OReilly email:

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.