Job Description and Person Specification (HR5)
Post Number: Advert Ref.
Job Description
School/Department:
Chemistry
Post Title:
Research Fellow
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Dr Bruno Linclau
Some supervision of junior research staff
Job Purpose: To investigate the influence of fluorination on hydrogen bonding properties (see Angew.
Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 6176). The successful candidate will complete the synthesis of fluorohydrin and
fluorinated amine probes, contribute in the physical measurement of hydrogen bond properties, and also
in the subsequent interpretation of the results. This EPSRC-funded project is part of a multi-disciplinary
collaboration with the groups of Professors Jerome Graton and Jean-Yves Le Questel (Physical and
computational chemistry, University of Nantes, France). The appointee will interact closely with this group,
and will spend up to three months in the Nantes labs as part of the project (including measurement of
hydrogen bonding properties).
Key Accountabilities/Primary Responsibilities (6-10 bullet points maximum)
 To take initiative in the planning of research and carry out research according to
the project goals, in particular the synthesis of fluorohydrin and fluoroamine
probes
 Maintain clear, up-to-date, accurate and complete records of all findings,
including full characterisation of all novel compounds to RSC/ACS journal
standard
 Conduct relevant literature searches in support of their research
 Write monthly interim research reports, and present at consortium meetings,
 Draft final report on research progress and outcomes
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To support colleagues within the Linclau group with advice and assistance, and
be a leading example
Contribute to the organisation and maintenance of a safe and professional
working environment within the Linclau group
To carry out administrative tasks associated with research project eg. carrying
out risk assessment of research activities and ordering consumables
To provide a degree of cover for Dr Linclau when he is away from the School
(e.g. laboratory demonstration, workshops, tutorials)
1
% Time
85
-----------
15

To be an ambassador for the group by presenting work at conferences and
meetings and drafting papers (when appropriate to do so).
Internal & External Relationships: (nature & purpose of relationships)
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With research group Supervisor: Discuss and report on research progress. Agree short and
medium term goals to ensure appropriate dissemination of information. To report any
problems that arise in the laboratory or research group that require or may require managerial
action e.g. poor working practices, contravention of safety protocols, poor work ethic, personal
grievances impacting on work.
With the project partners: a close collaboration with the project partners (exchange relevant
information, report research progress).
Other Researchers in the research group: To maintain high standards in the research
environment. To support colleagues with advice and assistance. To assist others in their
learning and research. To maintain a good work ethic in the laboratory and to help ensure the
adoption of safe working practices.
The Departmental Safety Officer: To ensure the adoption of safe working practices.
Spectral Service Providers: To maintain good relationships with the NMR, MS and X-ray service
providers within the School.
School Administrator: All matters relating to contracts and the fabric of the laboratory.
Special Requirements:
• Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the line manager / supervisor
and in agreement with appointee
• Flexible working hours (evening and weekend work) as required.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:
CV & Interview
PhD in synthetic chemistry
X
Experience with DFT calculations
X
Experience with chromatography
X
CV & Interview
Experience of working with amines
X
CV & Interview
Interest in synthetic organic chemistry for
physical organic purposes
X
CV & Interview
Experience with fluorine chemistry
Able to demonstrate knowledge in the
consequences of fluorination and an interest in
investigating this
X
CV & Interview
X
CV & Interview
CV
Planning and Organising:
Ability to plan and organise practical research
and the associated supporting tasks for the
group in the most efficient manner
2
Ability to work independently and to respond
positively to supervision
X
CV & Interview
Problem Solving and Initiative:
High level of practical experience and analytical
capability
X
Able to think independently and creatively
X
CV & Interview
Management and Teamwork:
Ability to interact with other members of the
team and to contribute to the group’s broader
research activity
X
Evidence of supervisory skills/aptitude
X
Ability to support the work of PhD students
X
CV & Interview
Communicating and Influencing:
Able to communicate complex information
verbally and in writing
X
CV & Interview
Willingness to present work at topical meetings
X
CV & Interview
Willingness to travel
X
Interview
Able to carry out meticulous measurements
X
CV & Interview
Hard-working and efficient, self-motivated
X
CV & Interview
Other Skills and Behaviours:
Special Requirements:
The appointee will be required to be present in
the office at least during the core working hours,
and accept flexibility beyond this as required.
Interview
X
Hold a genuine interest in interdisciplinary
working and an awareness of the flexibility
needed in large interdisciplinary collaborative
teams.
X
3
Interview
Job Hazard Analysis Form - Appendix to Job and Person Specification
Please tick one of the following statements:
This post is an office-based job with routine office hazards e.g. use of VDU (if ticked, no
further information needs to be supplied)
This post has some hazards other than routine office e.g. more than use of VDU
X
Please tick all those that apply, and put N/A if not applicable
Environmental Exposures
O*
Outside work
N/A
Extremes of temperature (eg fridge/ furnace)
N/A
Potential for exposure to body fluids
##
N/A
Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
##
N/A
Exposure to hazardous substances (eg solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify - Chemical solvents and substances, including
pyrophoric and toxic solids, solutions, liquids and gasses
X
Ionising radiation.
N/A
Equipment/Tools/Machines used
Food Handling
##
N/A
Driving university vehicles(e.g. car/van/LGV/PCV)
##
N/A
Use of latex gloves (note: prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
##
N/A
Vibrating tools ( e.g. strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
##
N/A
Physical Abilities
Load manual handling.
N/A
Repetitive Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping
N/A
Repetitive Pulling/Pushing
N/A
Repetitive Lifting
N/A
Standing for prolonged periods
X
Repetitive Climbing i.e. steps, stools, ladders
N/A
Fine motor grips (e.g. pipetting)
N/A
Gross motor grips
N/A
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
N/A
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
N/A
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
N/A
Psychosocial Issues
Face to face contact with public
X
Lone working
N/A
##
4
C
X
Frequent hand washing
Shift work/night work/on call duties
F
N/A
O – Occasionally (up to 1/3 of time); F – Frequently (up to 2/3 of time); C – Constantly (more than
2/3 of time) ## denotes to HR the need for a full PEHQ to be sent to all applicants for this position.
FOR SCHOOL/SERVICE USE ONLY
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