UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Research Fellow/Associate (Organic/Polymer Chemist)
School:
School Pharmacy
Salary:
£25,513 to £31,342 per annum depending on skills and experience
(£28,695 minimum with relevant PhD)
Job family and level:
Research and Teaching Level 4
Hours of Work:
Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Contract Status:
Fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months starting October 2015
Location:
Schools of Pharmacy and Chemistry, University Park
Reporting to:
Prof Cameron Alexander for day-to-day activities and for progress
towards overall project aims and direction.
Purpose of the Role:
Organic/Polymer Chemist
Grant in 3D Biomaterials Discovery
An enthusiastic research scientist with expertise in polymer/organic chemistry and biochemical/
molecular biology studies of polymer therapeutics is sought for a grant within the Healthcare
Technologies priority. The grant is aimed at developing a new generation of biomedical materials
with applications in antimicrobial resistance, cancer, stem cell science and immunology. Within the
grant, a theme led by Professor Cameron Alexander will investigate polymers for targeting infection
and cancer sites. The successful applicant for this project will contribute to the design, synthesis,
and biological evaluation of novel polymers and drug delivery systems, which will act as both
carriers for drugs, but also platform release materials for other applications within the grant. The
work will involve direct interactions with the partner research groups of Dr Anna Grabowska (Cancer
Biology, University of Nottingham) and Professor Steve Howdle (School of Chemistry, University of
Nottingham) and with associated PhD students selected for the project. In addition, the scientist in
this theme will form part of the wider grant team led by Professor Morgan Alexander, with
possibilities for unprecedented interdisciplinary science spanning chemistry, biology, pharmacy and
materials. The person appointed will be based in the Boots Science Building and Queens Medical
Centre within the School of Pharmacy at Nottingham and will have the opportunity to work for
extended periods in partnering laboratories for the grant as a whole, which include those of
Professors Dan Anderson and Robert Langer at MIT.
Applicants will have high capabilities in chemical synthesis, a familiarity with colloid science
techniques, and a strong interest in the chemistry-biology-pharmacy interface. A track record of
controlled polymerisation methods and knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology techniques are
desirable. Candidates should have a PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry, pharmacy or related
disciplines, or should have a PhD thesis submitted and have published work in polymer controlled
release systems.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
This job description may be subject to revision following discussion with the person appointed and
forms part of the contract of employment.
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Main Responsibilities
Plan and conduct supervised research using recognised approaches, methodologies and
techniques within Research Challenge 2 of the grant. This will include but is not limited
to:
 Proactively participate in the planning of synthetic targets and establishing
routes to polymers and self-assembled structures (micelles, vesicles) primarily
but not exclusively based on biodegradable materials.
 Execute synthesis, purification and characterisation of new monomers,
polymers, micelles and vesicles individually or in collaboration with partner
groups at Nottingham and other grant labs.
 Participate in the planning of polymer syntheses and evaluation of efficacy as
drug delivery systems and encapsulants of therapeutic (anti-microbial, anticancer) compounds.
 Design and evaluation of alternative routes to micelles/vesicles and optimisation
of characterisation methodologies (light scattering, microscopy).
 Development of protocols for evaluating activity as mediators of drug
encapsulation and encoded, specific release in collaboration with partners at
Nottingham and other grant labs.
 Guide and mentor PhD and Graduate student members with the research group.
Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
Analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, evaluate and criticise texts and bring
new insights to research area.
Prepare research work for publication and/or contribute to the dissemination to
relevant groups including external bodies and conferences, resulting in successful
research outputs. Assist in the preparation of scientific reports and publications for the
grant.
Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare
proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding,
contractual or accreditation purposes.
Build relationships with both internal and external contacts in order to exchange
information, to form relationships for future collaborations and identify potential
sources of funds and/or opportunities for collaboration.
Co-ordinate the operational aspect of research networks, for example, arranging
meetings and updating web sites etc. and contribute to collaborative decision making
with colleagues in area of research.
Work in conjunction with others in the research team to achieve objectives and make
an active contribution to the success of the team. Provide support, guidance and
supervision to other staff, where appropriate in own area of expertise.
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students projects, and
placements, as appropriate. To participate in the assessment of student knowledge and
co-supervise projects at Masters level.
Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared interest for example, research
theme development, collaborative or joint research projects.
Plan and manage own research activity and resolve problems, if required, in meeting
own/team research objectives and deadlines in collaboration with others.
Contribute to the organisation of research resources and facilities, laboratories and
workshops as appropriate. Undertake general laboratory duties such as ordering of
reagents, equipment maintenance, and laboratory housekeeping.
Contribute to teaching, for example through laboratory demonstrations, lectures to
postgraduate workshops and/or delivery of Level 1 modules.
Person Specification:
Essential
Qualifications
1. A 1st or upper second class first degree
Desirable
Published work in controlled
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Research &
Teaching
Experience
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Personal
Attributes
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Experience
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in chemistry, pharmacy or related
disciplines.
PhD (or equivalent) thesis submitted
(or nearing completion) or awarded in
organic or polymer chemistry,
pharmacy or related disciplines.
Strong capabilities in polymer
chemistry.
Interest in chemistry-biology interface.
Published work in polymer controlled
release systems.
Familiarity with controlled or ‘living’
polymer synthesis techniques
Strong analytical skills including the
ability to analyse and illuminate data,
interprets reports, evaluate and
criticise prior data and ability to bring
new insights.
Good communication and
organisational skills.
Problem-solving skills.
Flexible attitude and adaptable.
Goal-oriented, attention to detail,
ability to work in an interdependent
team.
Excellent oral and written
communication skills including the
ability to communicate complex
information with clarity and write to a
publishable standard.
Ability to build effective relationships
as part of a team and collaborate with
others, both internally and externally.
Flexible, proactive and dedicated
approach.
Ability to travel within the UK and
overseas.
Presenting work effectively to a variety
of professional and academic audiences
at meetings and conferences.
A consistent track record of published
research in peer-reviewed journals and
writing high quality reports and papers
for publication.
polymer synthesis
Familiarity with
colloid/micelle/vesicle
characterisation.
Familiarity with biochemistry and
cell biology techniques.
Creative thinking skills.
Experience in multi-disciplinary
teams.
Evidence of working across
chemistry/biology/pharmacy
subject boundaries
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First author publications in
high impact factor journals.
Previous success in gaining
support for externally funded
research projects.
Experience of developing new
techniques or methods in
organic/polymer chemistry.
Training and/or supervision of
staff or students.
Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK or
EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will
be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals
whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour market test may
only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for the post. Please visit
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.
Informal
enquiries
may
be
addressed
to
Professor
Cameron
Alexander,
email:
cameron.alexander@Nottingham.ac.uk, tel 0115 846 7678). Please note that applications sent
directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.
Equality and Diversity
The University of Nottingham has a range of policies to promote equality and diversity in the
workplace which are fully supported and promoted by the School through its Equality and Diversity
Committee. The School welcomes applications from all candidates and you can read more about our
commitment to equality and diversity at http://tiny.cc/UoNPharmEandD
Please quote ref: NEXTGEN-209815.