Job Purpose
You will make a leading contribution to the EPSRC Funded Open Fellowship, “Inert Atmosphere Automated Synthesis for the Investigation of Nuclear Waste relevant species (DIGINERT)” with Dr Nicola Bell. The projects aim is to make significant advances to the safe digitisation of chemistry under controlled atmospheres with particular application in the Nuclear industry. The role requires skills in the general areas of automation of chemistry, chemical/mechanical engineering, robotics and coding. Candidates with knowledge of chemical synthesis, especially under inert atmospheres, with some experience or interest in coding would also be welcome.
You will build an automated platform to combine liquid and gas handling with sensor integration and safety protocols for the secure handling of highly reactive, flammable and potentially radioactive materials. You will be expected to work with external project collaborators (Sellafield Ltd) and collaborators in the School of Physics (Dr Seitz & Gray). This may include research visits to the Cumbria site and associated research institutes and national labs. You will contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator:
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research
6. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Make a contribution to the associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, World Changers Together
These key tasks are not exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.
Knowledge / Qualifications
Essential:
A1 An awarded PhD or equivalent in a relevant cognitive discipline (or having submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment).
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in using automation in chemistry.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of either automation and robotics; or inert atmosphere chemistry.
C2 Working knowledge of programming using Python or a similar system.
For appointment at Grade 8
Essential:
C3 A reputation in and insight into, a relevant internationally competitive research area.
C4 Knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area.
C5 Strong collaborative/project management ability, ideally including evidence of working with external partners (industrial or academic).
Experience
Essential:
E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career developer / researcher.
E2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences with an emerging national or international reputation.
E3 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
E4 Experience in undertaking research in chemistry, chemical engineering, robotics or a related field.
For appointment at Grade 8:
Essential:
E5 Experience of leading and contributing to applications for research grants.
E6 Experience in undertaking independent experimental, theoretical, and applied research.
Desirable
F1 Experience of the design, fabrication and building of automated systems for chemical synthesis and/or analysis.
F2 Knowledge of specialist appropriate techniques for inert atmosphere chemistry.
F3 Experience with coding for robotics using Python or a similar system.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7/8, £37,474 - £42,155 / £46,047 - £53,353 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy reference number: 107774
Closing date: 26 February 2023
Vacancy Ref : 107774 Close Date : 26-Feb-2023 23:45