Assistant or Associate Professorship in Biological Chemistry,
Biophysics and/or Synthetic Biology
Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering (IB3)
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Applicant Information – Reference No. EPS/BIO1
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close
connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research
ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong
external funding. We have around 110 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based
in 5 research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the
Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the
Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics & Bioengineering.
In addition we deliver teaching across 5 programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer
Engineering; Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. In the 2013 National Student Survey HeriotWatt University was ranked as the second top university in Scotland. Chemical Engineering was ranked top in
the UK for the fourth year running, Chemistry was ranked top in the UK, and Mechanical Engineering was
ranked top in Scotland. Heriot-Watt had the highest response rate in Scotland from students confirming the
continued support and recognition by our students.
Heriot-Watt has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in
championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics. We
continue to welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.
Job Description
As part on the University’s strategy for growth, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences is looking for a
highly motivated individual. The successful candidate will have a particular expertise in one or more of the
following areas; Synthetic organic chemistry for biological applications, Development of probes, sensors and
novel therapeutics, Materials chemistry for biological applications or Use of photonics to probe molecular
structures and behaviours.
The appointed person should have a PhD or equivalent qualification in organic synthetic chemistry or a closely
related discipline, and a proven record of research activity. It is expected the appointee will be involved in
collaborative projects supported by existing colleagues within the School and be able to work in
multidisciplinary teams.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work activities will vary according to the requirements of the job and individual areas of research and teaching
responsibility; however, general responsibilities are typically, but not restricted to, the following:
 actively engaging in research and actively contributing to the University’s research profile;
 publicising research through the preparation and submission of journal and conference papers and
participating in academic conferences;
 supervising students and research associates’ research work;
 actively pursuing research funding through the development of quality grant proposals;
 contributing to teaching through the delivery of lectures, tutorials and laboratories;
 assessing students’ work;
 carrying out general academic administration including student recruitment and admissions,
participation on committees and exam boards, taking responsibility for key administration tasks;
 designing, preparing and developing teaching materials, assessment material and methods;
 actively developing and implementing new teaching methods;
 mentoring students;
 undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff development
activities;
 managing and supervising staff;
 representing the institution in a professional capacity, e.g. conferences, meetings, with industrial
partners, etc;
 establishing collaborative research and teaching links outside the university via funding councils,
industry, business and public bodies.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other
relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time
as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Contractual Information
Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professorship in
Synthetic Biology
Grade/Salary Range: 7-9 / £30,434 - £54,841
dependent on experience
School/Section: EPS-IB3
Pension Scheme: USS
Reporting to: Prof Rory Duncan, Head of Research
Institute
Annual leave: 33 days plus 9 Buildings Closed Days
Duration of Post: Open-ended
Sickness benefits: up to 6 months full pay, 6
months half pay
Working Hours: As required to fulfil the role
Start Date: As soon as possible
Disclosure Scotland Requirement: N/A
Person Specification
This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in
order to undertake the full remit of the role.
Attributes
Essential
Education &
Qualifications
PhD in organic
synthetic chemistry or a
closely related
discipline.
Experience
Competencies, Skills&
Knowledge
Strong academic record
in relevant discipline
Proven track record in
synthetic organic
chemistry for biological
applications, OR
development of probes,
sensors and novel
therapeutics, OR
materials chemistry for
biological applications,
OR use of photonics to
probe molecular
structures and
behaviours
Excellent
communication and
presentation skills.
Ability to work in an
interdisciplinary
environment.
Desirable
Means of Assessment
Certificates
Evidence or
continuous
publication in
internationally
respected peerreviewed journals.
Application form,
interview and peerreviewed literature
Evidence of
application of
innovative teaching
techniques.
Evidence of
commercialisation or
exploitation of
previous work.
Highly ambitious
Interview
Capacity to be a leading
national and
international
researcher in their field
Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full
remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential
requirements will normally be eliminated at the short listing stage.
Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When short listing,
these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.
Other Relevant Information
Informal inquiries should be made to Dr
http://www.ib3.eps.hw.ac.uk/Colin_Rickman.html).
Colin
Rickman
(Email:
c.rickman@hw.ac.uk,
Web:
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview four weeks after the closing date. Interviews will involve a
brief presentation by the candidate followed a question and answer session with the interview panel.
Interviews will preferably be held in person but for overseas candidates can be held by Skype.
Application Process
If you would like to be considered for either opportunity, please submit your CV, publication list and a 1 page
statement of how you meet the criteria in the person specification, to research-jobs@hw.ac.uk no later than 31
October 2014.
For all applications and correspondence about your application, please quote ref: EPS/ BIO1
The University is committed to equality of opportunity. Applications are particularly welcome from women and
black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.
Heriot-Watt University and Values
With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching
and practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and
industry.
We’re a vibrant, forward-looking university, well known for the quality of our degrees with employers actively
seeking out our graduates.
Heriot-Watt is also Scotland’s most international university with an unsurpassed international in-country
presence. We deliver degree programmes to 11,800 students in 150 countries around the world, have a campus
in Dubai and in Malaysia and boast the largest international student cohort in Scotland.
At Heriot-Watt we’ve created an environment that nurtures innovation and leadership - where our researchers,
staff and students can realise their potential and develop their ambitions.
We’re proud of our collegiate atmosphere and integrated teaching and research approach which has helped to
build a community of committed academics and highly motivated students. Our focus on careers delivers
results and we’ve an excellent reputation for graduate employability.
We have campuses in Edinburgh, the Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia where we aim to provide stimulating,
supportive environments conducive to effective learning and research, and where staff and students can excel.
At Heriot-Watt, we have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and
show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.
Our values describe our deeply held beliefs and our community spirit. They characterise not only how we are as
a higher education institution but also frame how we want to be.
Our values are:
o
o
o
o
o
Valuing and respecting everyone
Pursuing excellence
Pride and belonging
Shaping the future
Outward looking
As a learning, living and working institution, we use our values as the building blocks of how we go about doing
our work and how we conduct ourselves as part of Heriot-Watt University. They represent what binds us
together as a University community and help us to become the best at what we do.
It's key that all our staff feel part of our achievements, and our values provide your link to our success.
For full details on our University please view our website, www.hw.ac.uk
Heriot-Watt University is a charity registered in Scotland (SC000278).