Research Fellow in Reaction Kinetics – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – 100710 – Grade 7

Job title:

Research Fellow in Reaction Kinetics – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – 100710 – Grade 7

Company

University of Birmingham

Job description

Job Description:Position DetailsCollege of Engineering and Physical SciencesLocation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974Grade: 7Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2026Closing date: 10th June 2024UK travel may be required for this role.BackgroundWe are looking for an exceptional researcher to work on the HILTRAC project (Highly Instrumented Low Temperature Reaction Chamber), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The HILTRAC project is developing a new UK capability for measuring chemical reaction rate coefficients at low temperatures, ranging from 30 K to 250 K, using a highly instrumented approach. A combination of laser induced fluorescence, infrared frequency comb spectroscopy, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry will be used to monitor chemical reactions occurring in a uniform supersonic flow, achieved using a pulsed Laval nozzle. In addition to measuring the temperature dependence of reaction rate coefficients, spectroscopic information on reactants, possible intermediates, and products will be determined from infrared frequency comb spectroscopy and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The HILTRAC apparatus will be capable of lending significant insight into reactions occurring in areas of the interstellar medium. Several targeted chemical reactions will be studied, all of which fall under the broad umbrella of organosulfur reactions.You will be an integral part of the team as we optimise the apparatus and apply it to reaction of radicals with small organic compounds. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in laser spectroscopy, ideally with gas phase molecules. You will also have opportunities for training in science and people management, science communication, and grant application writing, with the aim to develop a personal, independent career track.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.Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

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

• Designing, planning, and conducting a programme of investigation, in consultation with Dr Julia Lehman
• Lead or assist in coupling the TOF-MS to the main Laval expansion chamber, optimizing observed laser-induced signals and kinetic data
• Lead or assist in optimizing cavity-enhanced infrared frequency comb spectroscopy for kinetics and spectroscopy of cold samples within the Laval expansion
• Assist and mentor students who will be leading the laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy portion of the apparatus
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students or Masters students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• 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
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews *
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters *
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

• These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or one near to completion) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a closely allied discipline
• A strong technical background in laser spectroscopy, particularly of gasses
• A background in building instrumentation
• Experience with data analysis programmes, such as MATLAB or LabVIEW, or programming languages, such as Python
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high impact factor journals
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to contact Dr Julia Lehman, or telephone 0121 414 4397We 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 everyone .

Expected salary

£34980 – 44263 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Tue, 21 May 2024 06:12:42 GMT

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