Research Associate in Continuous Flow Homogeneous Catalysis

Job title:

Research Associate in Continuous Flow Homogeneous Catalysis

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 Continuous Flow Homogeneous Catalysis
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff UniversityWe seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a continuous flow homogeneous catalysis project. The project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and industry, involves a collaboration between Prof Duncan Wass (Cardiff School of Chemistry) and industrial partners.The overall focus of the programme developing a continuous process for the upgrading of ethanol to butanol using homogeneous Guerbet catalysis.Further information is available at the following group webpages: Professor Duncan WassFor informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact: Professor Duncan Wass ( )For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore ( )This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 July 2025 for 2 years.To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit and search for vacancy number: 19886BR.Salary: £40,497 – £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £40,497 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 19886BR.Closing date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025Cardiff 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.The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply.Post Reference Number19886BRJob DescriptionMain functionTo conduct research within the area of alcohol upgrading homogeneous catalysis in continuous flow conditions 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 within area of alcohol upgrading homogeneous catalysis in continuous flow conditions 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.45,413GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.40,497Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchAdditional InformationProject Description:This UKRI-funded project is concerned with developing a continuous process for the upgrading of ethanol to butanol using homogeneous Guerbet catalysis. The Wass group have reported several homogeneous catalyst families based on ruthenium complexes that are highly selective in converting ethanol to n-butanol, or methanol-ethanol mixtures to isobutanol, under batch conditions.Working with industry partners, we now want to develop a continuous flow reactor for this catalytic reaction as a necessary step to realise the impact of this area as a route to sustainable fuels that can accelerate the transition to a prosperous net zero.The project will involve (1) the design, build and operation of a flow reactor; (2) the synthesis and characterisation of organometallic catalysts, and the operation of such catalysts in a form suitable for continuous conditions; (3) the study of process conditions to fully define catalyst performance.Expected outcomes for the project will be scholarly publications and results that can allow industry partners to continue to develop this area towards a commercial process.Career PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationIMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.Essential CriteriaQualifications and Education1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in relevant area (chemistry or chemical engineering) or 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. Homogeneous catalysis in flow/continuous conditions.
ii. Design, construction and operation of reactors for flow chemistry.
iii. Synthesis and characterisation of organometallic catalysts, including techniques for handing air sensitive materials.
iv. Analysis of liquid and gas phase product mixtures from catalytic reactions.3. Knowledge of current status of research in homogeneous catalysis in flow/continuous conditions.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 Criteria10. Relevant professional qualification(s)- if applicable please specify.11. Evidence of collaborations with industry.12. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.13. 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

£40497 – 45413 per year

Location

Cardiff

Job date

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:23:06 GMT

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