UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Job Description
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Chemistry
Reports to
Dr. Susan Perkin
Grade:
7
The Project:
Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts which remain liquid under ambient conditions. The recent
discovery of environmentally stable ionic liquids is having dramatic impact in many
areas of science and technology, from synthesis and catalysis to electrochemistry and
nanotechnology. Many applications of ILs involve their use as the conducting
electrolyte medium in electrochemical devices such as solar cells, and double-layer
capacitors (also called ‘ultra-capacitors’ or ‘super-capacitors’). The aim of this
experimental project is to discover the structure and dynamic properties of ionic
liquids in the few molecuar layers next to electrode surfaces. This will involve direct
and detailed measurements of the liquid structure, screening effects, and liquid
dynamics in the few molecular layers adjacent to a charged surface using a custombuilt surface force balance (SFB).
Perkin’s laboratory at UCL is recently set up with modern equipment and techniques
for surface preparation, characterisation and interaction measurements. In addition
this project will form part of a collaborative network of research groups in the UK and
internationally working on ionic liquids at surfaces. There are likely to be
opportunities for the appointed Research Assistant to travel and meet with
collaborators, give presentations at conferences, as well as aid in the organisation of
workshops and meetings, and other career development activities.
Main Purpose
After full training, the research associate will: (1) carry out experimental
measurements of surface interactions across ionic liquids using the SFB, (2) analyse
the results and prepare drafts of manuscripts for publication, (3) attend meetings and
conferences to present the work when necessary. The research associate will also be
expected to take full part in the research group: he/she may be asked to undertake
instrumental development work, guide research students, and work to maintain the
functioning of the laboratory when necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities

To contribute to the design and setup of experiments, and to carry out SFB and
other experiments (after suitable training), under the direction of Dr. S. Perkin

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 take part in hosting visitors to the lab, including visiting students and
visiting academics.

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.

To be 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 Dr. S. Perkin 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
Degree and post-graduate degree in a relevant subject area. (Essential)
High quality research as demonstrated by scientific publications. (Essential)
Skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills (Essential)
Practical experimental skills demonstrating dexterity and competence in relevant or
related laboratory techniques (Essential)
Ability to use one or more data capture or data analysis packages, e.g. LabView,
Matlab, IgorPro, Origin (Desirable)
Experience
Experience of surface chemical or physical characterisation using one or more
techniques (Essential)
Experience with ionic liquids, either synthesis, handling or measurements (Desirable)
Experince of electrochemical measurements (Desirable)
Experience of experimental surface interaction measurement using SFA/SFB, AFM,
or similar. (Desirable).
Experience of surface chemistry or surface modification (Desirable)
Experience of building or developing scientific apparatus (Desirable)
Experience of multi-disciplinary working (Desirable)
Personal Qualities
Commitment to high quality research (Essential)
Ability to work independently and with mature attitude (Essential)
Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team (Essential)
Commitment to UCL’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work
harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds (Essential)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SALARY
The post is graded as Grade 7, the salary for which ranges from £31,778 to £38,441
(including London Allowance of £2,795) per annum. Progression through the salary
scale is incremental. Cost of living pay awards are negotiated nationally and are
normally effective from 1st August each year. Starting salary will normally be at the
bottom of the scale. 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.
The post is funded for 24 months in the first instance and start date is expected to be
1st May 2011.
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 work-related 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=504178&ownertype=fair&jcod
e=1177320
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.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 25th February 2011.
Thank you for your interest in this post and the Department of Chemistry at UCL