Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate

Job title:

Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateCardiff School of ChemistryAdvertThis post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate in Electron Microscopy of Catalytic Materials
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff UniversityWe seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a new international research programme. The 4 year Centre-to-Centre project (New catalysts for acetylene processes enabling a sustainable future), funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is led by Cardiff and is collaboration with the Catalysis Hub in Harwell, Max Planck Institute für Kohlenforschung (KOFO) in Mulheim, the Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max Planck Society (FHI) in Berlin, and the Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica (ITQ) in Valencia, as well as several partners from Industry.The researcher will lead the characterization of metal catalysts using the aberration-corrected Spectra 200 (S)TEM located in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI). They will perform atomic-resolution imaging of nanoparticles and single-atom catalysts to develop understanding of the effects of ligands on catalyst structure. They will develop methodology for in-situ testing of catalysts for acetylene hydrogenation, in addition to ex-situ testing of catalysts before and after reaction.This position is part of a wider project to develop new catalysts for acetylene-based chemistry. As such, the researcher will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers synthesizing and testing catalysts, in addition to others using X-ray spectroscopic methods. The position will involve collaborative visits to X-ray synchrotrons and to partners at Max Planck Institutes in Germany.Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in chemistry, materials science, physics or have relevant industrial experience.Dr Thomas Slater .For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Thomas Slater ( Tel: ).For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Ms Caroline Pasmore ( Tel: )This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st August 2025 for 12 months.To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit and search for vacancy number: 19646BR.Salary: £40,247- £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £40,247 per annum (Grade 6.32).Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 19646BR.Closing date: Friday, 17 January 2025External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Post Reference Number19646BRJob DescriptionMain functionTo conduct research on electron microscopy of catalytic materials and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch

• To conduct research on electron microscopy of catalytic materials and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.

• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.

• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.

• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.

• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.

• To participate in School research activities.

• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Salary Range Max.45,163GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.40,247Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchAdditional InformationAdditional InformationThis project focuses on using electron microscopy to characterise the novel catalysts synthesized and tested in the wider project. The researcher will lead the characterization of metal catalysts using the aberration-corrected Spectra 200 (S)TEM located in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI). They will perform atomic-resolution imaging of nanoparticles and single-atom catalysts to develop understanding of the effects of ligands on catalyst structure. They will develop methodology for in-situ testing of catalysts for acetylene hydrogenation, in addition to ex-situ testing of catalysts before and after reaction.Career PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in chemistry, materials science, physics or have relevant industrial experience.Knowledge, Skills and Experience2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:i. Transmission electron microscopy of nanomaterials.ii. Heterogeneous catalysis.3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field.4. Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at national/international conferences.5. Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding or knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.Communication and Team Working6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.Other8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.9. Proven ability to work without close supervision.Desirable Criteria1. Proven experience in aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope.2. Proven experience of in-situ transmission electron microscopy in gaseous environments.3. Evidence of collaborations with industry.4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

Cardiff

Job date

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:22:48 GMT

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