Job Description
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Research Assistant
Science and Engineering/Chemistry
Prof. V.N. Paunov
12 Months
Academic
6
Research Band 6
None
FS0131
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
A research contract has been awarded to Prof. Paunov (Chemistry) by an industrial partner
for 12 months to work on Smart Materials Based on Stimuli –Responsive Suspensions which
will fund one research assistant (RA) in order to deliver the project objectives. The post has
a tentative starting date 1 October 2014 for a fixed term of 12 months. The work on the
project will be done in the Department of Chemistry is part of the Faculty of Science and
Engineering. The Department currently has 34 research active academic staff and a cohort
of 65 postgraduate and 689 undergraduate students, spread over organic, inorganic,
physical and analytical chemistry. The Department occupies two buildings at the heart of the
main campus, and was recently joined to the new Allam Building for Biomedical Research
and Centre for Positron Emission Tomography. Equipment available within the Department
include NMR at 400 and 500 MHz, including solid state and wide bore instruments, mass
spectrometry with instruments for low and high resolution in EI, ESI and MALDI ionisation
modes, XRD for single crystal and powder diffraction and Mossbauer spectrometry. The
Surfactant & Colloid Group of Prof Paunov, based in the Department of Chemistry of the
University of Hull, is well equipped to carry out the proposed experimental programme. In
addition to a wide range of optical and fluorescence microscopes, laser diffraction
instruments, ellipsometry equipment, UV-VIS spectrophotometers, rheometers, Krüss Drop
Shape Analysis system for contact angle and surface tension measurements. The group
also has access to central University facilities including electron microscopes (SEM and
TEM), a confocal fluorescence microscope and AFM/STM microscopes. The S&CG groups
is an excellent training/development environment for the RAs of this project. Research
results are communicated and defended in regular group seminars. This training element will
be supplemented by the international visits/workshops planned in this proposal.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post
This RA will be responsible for development of a novel materials based on dispersions solid
micro-particles in water or other solvents in the present of various additives and will be
analysing their structure, rheology, texture and other properties. The RA will study the
specific response of the produced materials to factors like temperature change, acidity and
others. The RA will work under the supervision of Prof Paunov (PI - UoH, Chemistry). The
RA will report research results to the project supervisory team on a weekly basis and may
also co-supervise a PhD student working on the project. The RA will be producing an
appropriate quantity and quality of refereed research publications and other company
progress reports. The PDRA will work closely with the Knowledge Exchange Office of the
University of Hull and the sponsoring industrial company on preparation of materials for filing
for IP protection of the project results.
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GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature
of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role
may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or
due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an
immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Overall Purpose of the Role
This is an entry level post and may be suitable for those planning to train and develop their
research skills so that they may take on a more senior research post in the future.
Research Staff at this level will assist an individual research leader or team to carry out a
particular study or studies.
The research assistant will receive close supervision and direction from more senior
colleagues and will receive academic, pastoral support and guidance which may include
specific training, career counselling and mentoring.
The main focus of the work will involve the generation or collection of data using standard
methods which have been developed by others. The role holder will assist with analysis and
interpretation of results and the drafting of research reports and publications.
Main Work Activities
1. Pro-actively contribute to the research project and conduct own research to include:
 Gather, prepare, analyse and interpret data
 Conduct literature and database searches
 Write up and present own research results
2. Contribute to the management of research projects to include:
 Contribute to the planning of projects
 Plan own research activity within the framework of the agreed programme
3. Prepare reports and papers describing the results of the research for both internal and
external publication to include:
 Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
 Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies
supervising research
4. Work positively with colleagues in the research team and other collaborators and
partners and support staff on routine matters both inside and outside the University
 Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding
and form relationships for future collaboration.
 Actively participate as a member of the research team which will involve
attending and contributing to relevant meetings.
5. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any project students who may be
assisting with the research.
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6. Demonstrate evidence of own personal and professional development including:
 Appraisal, induction and performance reviews
 Participation in training and development activity
 Maintenance of links with professional institutions and other related bodies
Additionally the post holder will be required to:
 Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies
and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display
screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
 Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
 Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
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PERSON SPECIFICATION – Research Band 6
Specification
Essential

Education and Training
Formal qualifications and relevant
training
Work Experience
Ability to undertake duties of the post
Skills and Knowledge
Includes abilities and intellect
Personal Qualities
Includes any specific physical
requirements of the post – (subject to
the provisions of the Equality Act 2010)
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
In the final stages of a PhD in relevant
discipline – PhD thesis must be submitted
before the start of the project (1/10/2014)
BSc, BA or Masters degree in Chemistry or
relevant discipline
Evidence of:
 Data collection
 Analysis and interpretation of results
 Drafting research reports, participating in
scientific conferences
 Contributing to drafting scientific publications,
book chapters and review articles
Evidence of :
 Collaborative working and networking to
enhance and develop research
 Contribution to the supervision of
undergraduate project, masters or mentoring
MSc or PhD students
 Excellent communication skills(written and
verbal)
Evidence of:
 Working in an open and transparent way,
providing information and communicating
effectively with colleagues
 Collaborative working, particularly on
interdisciplinary activities
 Continuous Professional Development.
Desirable
Examples Measured by

PhD in Chemistry or closely
related area: Physical Chemistry
and Materials Chemistry or
Biomaterials.
Good background in colloid
chemistry and biomaterials
science.
Application
Published research record in an
interdisciplinary field related to
formulation science
Experimental experience in colloid
science
Application
An understanding colloid science,
surface chemistry and
biomaterials.
Experience in formulation
techniques
Application
Evidence of scientific initiative
Application
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References
Interview
References
Interview
References
Interview
References
Interview
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