Job Description
Job title: Postdoctoral Research Officer in Dynamic Structural Chemistry
Purpose of the job:
To carry out postdoctoral research focusing on the structural chemistry aspects of an EPSRC grant to study the structural dynamics of spin crossover complexes. The programme targets the generation and control of metastable and short-lived non-equilibrium molecular species in the solid-state and solution using external stimuli such as photoactivation, variation of temperature or the application of pressure. Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methodologies will be used as the main analytical tool for the analysis of these systems, but time-resolved spectroscopic methods will be used to complement these techniques.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Undertaking single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction experiments under non-ambient conditions, including the application of light, heat and pressure. Both laboratory X-ray sources and synchrotron radiation sources will be used, and measurements will be made on metastable and short-lived molecular species.
2. Carrying out complementary spectroscopic studies in the solid-state and solution using time resolved and static IR, Raman and UV/visible methods.
3. Analysing the data obtained and using the information gained to devise new experiments to probe the relationship between structure, property and function.
4. Working effectively with the other researchers in the research team to deliver an understanding of the experimental and complementary computational data.
5. Preparing papers for publication in high quality international journals
6. Giving presentations (talks and posters) at international and national conferences.
7. Undertaking other duties required by the Principal Investigator and other senior members of the research team.
Responsible for:
1. Day-to-day running of X-ray and relevant spectroscopic equipment.
2. Undertaking diffraction and spectroscopic experiments.
3. Day-to-day progress of research students working on the project.
4. Ordering of chemicals, consumables and small pieces of equipment for the project.

5. Drafting of beamtime applications, reports and papers for publication.

Person Specification
Criteria
Qualifications
PhD Degree in chemistry or a related physical science.
Experience/Knowledge
A knowledge of single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods.
Experience of undertaking X-ray diffraction experiments using laboratory and/or synchrotron-based
X-ray sources.
Experience of non-ambient crystallographic techniques.
Track record of research illustrated through peer-reviewed publications
Experience of spectroscopic analytical methods.
Experience of presenting results at conferences and meetings.
Skills
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
Good verbal and written communication skills
Good organisational skills and time management
Flexible approach to changes in the work programme
Experience of managing stakeholder expectations in an effective manner
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Essential Desirable Assessed by
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I/T R
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Attributes
Good at oral and written communication
Good interpersonal skills
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Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R - References
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