UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Job Description for Research Associate in Photochemical Synthesis in Flow
Reactors
Job Title:
Research Associate
Department:
Chemistry
Reports to
Jawwad Darr
Grade:
Grade 7
The Project
This project seeks to develop routes to organic fine chemicals and nanoparticles in flow
systems using lasers or intense light sources. As part of a collaboration between Surrey
University and UCL, the project will involve laser assisted production of organic
chemicals and nanoparticles in flow processes and their full analysis. There will be a
strong emphasis on organic chemicals production.
The fine chemicals will be
manufactured using cost effective flow reactors which will be built from polymer or metal
fittings (full training will be provided but some experience of flow reactors would be
preferred). See www.ucl.me.uk for group website.
Main Purpose
The postholder will be required to carry out research into the development of fine
organic chemicals and nanomaterials manufacture and research, maintaining and
running the equipment and characterisation of products, liaising with other
researchers and external groups and reporting findings, including trips to Surrey
University to carry out collaborative research.
Duties and Responsibilities



To contribute to the manufacture of fine chemicals (mainly organic chemicals
and some limited experiments on inorganic nanomaterials) for a collaborative
project with Surrey University.
To record, analyse and write up the results of the research.

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.

The job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as
duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be
reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post-holder.

The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit
and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.

The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities
and be expected to give consideration within their role as to how they can
actively advance equality of opportunity and good relations between people
who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

The postholder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and
Health & Safety Regulations.

To be aware of and act upon:
Disciplinary procedure and Disciplinary rules
Grievance procedure
Section 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department of Chemistry
Person Specification for the Post of Research Associate
Knowledge – including Qualifications
Degree in Chemistry and PhD in Organic Chemistry [essential]
(If a suitable person with the above essential skills at the required level does not
apply for the post, then applicants who have a Chemistry degree and a PhD in
Chemistry, Photochemistry or Process Engineering will be considered as long as
they can demonstrate the potential to be able to carry out the project)
Knowledge of organic chemistry synthesis and analytical research techniques
[essential]
Knowledge of photochemistry and flow reactors [desirable]
Skills
Proven research skills in organic chemistry [essential]
Ability to analyse and write up complex data including that which is relevant to the
project described [essential]
Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences, including
on the topic of the project [essential]
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including on the topic of the project
[essential]
Experience
Experience of working in a research environment in fine chemistry, organic chemistry
or chemical engineering [essential]
Experience of multi-disciplinary working [essential]
Experience with one or more of the following: organic chemistry, photochemistry, flow
reactors [essential]
Personal Qualities
Commitment to high quality research [essential]
Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team [essential]
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms & Conditions of Employment
The post is a UCL grade 7 post, the salary for which ranges from £29,837 to £36,661
per annum (excluding London Allowance of £2,862 p.a.). Progression through the
salary scale is incremental. Cost of living pay awards are negotiated nationally and
are normally effective from 1st August each year. UCL’s non-clinical pay and grading
structure is at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/final_grades.php.
UCL’s terms & conditions for research staff are at
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/Support_Research_tcs.php
The full range of benefits is at
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/benefits/employee_benefits.php
Equal Opportunities
UCL recognises that in our society, individuals and groups are discriminated against
both directly and indirectly on the grounds of: age, colour, disability, ethnic origin,
gender, HIV status, marital, social or economic status, nationality, race, religious
beliefs, responsibility for dependents, sexual orientation, trades union membership or
unrelated criminal convictions.
To counteract discrimination, UCL is committed to actively opposing all forms of
discrimination, raising awareness and tackling the causes and consequences. It is
committed to providing a learning and working environment in which the rights and
dignity of all its members are respected and which is free from discrimination,
prejudice, intimidation and all forms of harassment including bullying; to making staff
and students feel valued, motivated and enabled to do their best work and to creating
a safe, welcoming working environment accessible to all.
UCL is working towards an Athena Swan Award and we support the Athena beliefs
that:


The advancement of science, engineering and technology (SET) is
fundamental to quality of life across the globe.
It is vitally important that women are adequately represented in what has
traditionally been, and is still, a male-dominated area.

Science cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of
the whole population, and until women and men can benefit equally from the
opportunities it affords.
Further information on Athena Swan is at http://www.athenaswan.org.uk/
TO APPLY
Apply online at:
https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?owner=5041178&ownertype=fair&jco
de=1398491
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able to do this after you have clicked on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of the
page.
Thank you for your interest in this post and the Department of Chemistry at UCL