Research Fellow in Polymer Chemistry - School of ChemistryGrade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade: 7

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to November 2028

Closing date: 30th September 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 polymer characterisation including polymeric material and self-assembled polymer particle characterisation. The project will be hosted in the groups of Prof. Rachel OReilly and Prof. Andrew Dove in the School of Chemistry.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting laboratory running and research project delivery in the area of polymer science including 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. It is expected that the postholder will have:

• completed or be close to completing an experimental PhD in polymer science
• experience in managing scientific projects alongside a demonstrable collaborative nature
• significant experience in polymer synthesis and characterisation across a wide range of techniques including molecular characterisation techniques such as NMR spectroscopy GPC etc. as well as thermomechanical analysis such as DSC DMTA etc. and particle characterisation including light scattering TEM and AFM.
• a practical and collaborative mindset with a strong focus on problem solving and hands-on experience in a laboratory environment.

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 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 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 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

• Support laboratory running and research project delivery in the area of polymer science under the supervision of Prof. Rachel OReilly and Prof Andrew Dove.

• Attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; contribute to papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals; participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators.

• To play an active role in project management in the OReilly and Dove research groups participating in all group meetings and activities.

• Be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment.

Main Duties

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

• Manage research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality
• 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.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• 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 projects and enhance research quality
• 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
• 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

• 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 preparing todefend a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of polymer synthesis polymer characterisation self assembly thermomechanical properties of polymers.
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR IR chromatography DSC TGA DMTA 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 plan organise implement and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines.

• Ability to guide and manage research of others.

• 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.

Informal enquiries to Andrew Dove 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.