UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Chemistry
Reports to
Professor P F McMillan
Grade:
7
The Project
The overall project is supported by an award to Professor PF McMillan for
synthesis and study of new materials via chemical routes under high
pressure-high temperature conditions. This project will develop studies of
metal nitrides and oxynitrides using large volume press and diamond anvil cell
techniques combined with metal-organic chemistry syntheses.
Characterisation of the new compounds will be carried out using optical
spectroscopy and X-ray or neutron diffraction. The project will particularly
develop the materials as new semiconductors for photocatalysis applications.
Main Purpose
The postholder will carry out research into (a) developing new chemical
precursors and routes to new nitride materials using metal-organic chemistry
techniques; (b) high pressure-high temperature treatment of the precursors to
obtain new nitride and oxynitride compounds; (c) structural characterization of
the new compounds using X-ray and neutron diffraction, including
experiments at national and international synchrotron and neutron facilities;
(d) characterization of the optical properties using spectroscopy techniques;
(e) characterization of the chemical and photocatalytic properties of the new
materials using standard tests for various aspects of photocatalysis; (f)
development of technological properties of the new materials produced.
Duties and Responsibilities

To contribute to the development, design and application of
organometallic chemistry routes to synthesize new nitride and
oxynitride materials

To design, develop and implement high pressure-high temperature
synthesis routes to achieve new nitride/oxynitride materials and solid
state compounds

To characterize the new materials using optical spectroscopy and Xray or neutron diffraction, including in situ experiments under high
pressure and high temperature conditions at national and international
synchrotron and neutron sources

To evaluate the chemical and photocatalytic properties of the new
nitride and oxynitride materials

To record, analyse and write up the results of these experiments,
predictions and procedures on a regular basis for periodic inspection
by the funding agency and for future reference.

To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed
journals.

To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as
required.

To contribute to the preparation and drafting of research bids and
proposals.

To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and
department as required.

To undertake a limited amount of teaching in relation to subject area.

To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and
students as requested.

Responsible for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in
working order.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be
reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.

The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope,
spirit and purpose of the job as requested by Professor P F McMillan or
the Head of Department.

The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal
Opportunities and Race Equality policies

The postholder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and
Health & Safety Regulations.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department of Chemistry
Person Specification for the Post of Research Associate
Knowledge – including Qualifications
 Post Graduate Degree in chemistry, physics or materials science with
an emphasis on experimental metal-organic and solid state synthesis
as well as high pressure studies, combined with structure-properties
characterisation of functional materials. (Essential)

Applicant must demonstrate detailed knowledge of chemical synthesis
especially applied to nitride and oxynitride materials, including
organometallic precursor chemistry, sol-gel synthesis, nitridation
methods, nanomaterials preparation, handling air- and moisturesensitive materials, and vacuum line techniques. (Essential)
Skills
 Must have demonstrated ability to recognise and develop
technologically relevant materials and processes through publication of
patents etc as well as academic publications. (Essential)
 Basic research skills. (Essential)
 Ability to analyse and write up data. (Essential)
 Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of
audiences. (Desirable)
 Effective written and verbal communication skills. (Essential)
Experience
 Experience with high pressure-high temperature synthesis methods,
and characterisation of structure and optical properties of materials
using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and other techniques.
Characterisation of materials for photocatalysis applications.
(Essential)
 Experience of working in a research environment. (Essential)
 Experience of multi-disciplinary working. (Desirable)
 Experience with all of the following: synthesis of solid state materials
and chemical precursors using metal-organic chemistry routes,
including sol-gel synthesis, nitridation, glove box and vacuum line
techniques for handling air-/moisture-sensitive samples,
characterisation of structure and optical properties of materials using
spectroscopy and diffraction techniques. (Essential)
 Experience of working on technologically relevant materials and
problems including developing patentable results as well as academic
publications. (Essential)
Personal Qualities
 Commitment to high quality research (Essential)
 Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team (Desirable)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SALARY
The post is graded as Grade 7, the salary for which ranges from £28,983 to
£35,646 p.a. (excluding London Allowance of £2,795 p.a.) .Starting salary is
usually £28,983. Please note, appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon
having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be
at postgraduate research assistant Grade 6 with payment at Grade 7 being
backdated to the date of submission of the PhD. Progression through the
salary scale is incremental. Cost of living pay awards are negotiated nationally
and are normally effective from 1 st August each year.
PROBATION
Appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a
probationary period of 9 months.
HOURS OF WORK
Full time hours for Research staff average 36.5 hours per week and times of
work are as determined by the Head of Department.
HOLIDAYS
Annual leave is 27 working days for a full time member of staff. UCL also
closes for a period at Christmas and Easter, at which times staff benefit from
a total of 6 ´closure days´ in addition to Bank Holidays.
PENSION
The postholder will be eligible to join the Universities Superannuation
Scheme, which is a final salary scheme with a current employee contribution
rate of 6.35% and an employer contribution rate of 14% of salary.
SEASON TICKET LOANS
A season ticket loan is available to staff who have successfully completed
their probationary period with the facility to repay through a monthly deduction
from salary.
OTHER BENEFITS
Other benefits of joining UCL as a staff member are many and include:

Access to an extensive range of in-house staff development
opportunities. Staff have full use of the UCL libraries and UCL operates
a Study Assistance Scheme for those undertaking part-time workrelated study.

An excellent location for transport networks being near Euston, Kings
Cross and St. Pancras stations and a choice of underground stations
connected to London 's other mainline stations. A wide range of bus
routes serves the area.

UCL lies in Bloomsbury , just north of Oxford Street , Covent Garden
and the heart of the West End with access to shops, theatres, cinemas,
bars and restaurants. UCL also has its own 550 seat West End arts
venue (Bloomsbury Theatre) which hosts drama, dance, music,
debates and lectures during the year

The main campus has subsidised cafeterias/bars and shops, gym and
a travel agent. UCL staff can also benefit from corporate membership
at a Tottenham Court Road gym.
TO APPLY
Apply online at:
https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?owner=5041178&ownertype=f
air&jcode=1179081
You will need to register to use the system if you have not used it before. and
are able to do this after you have clicked on the 'Apply now' button at the
bottom of the page.
Please upload a full curriculum vitae, including research experience and
scientific publication list when you apply.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 11 March 2011
Thank you for your interest in this post and the Department of Chemistry at
UCL