Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
November 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry
Post number:
TBD
Academic Unit/Service:
Chemistry
Career pathway:
Education, Research and Enterprise
*ERE category:
Research Pathway
Posts responsible to:
Dr Jonathan Kitchen
Posts responsible for:
n/a
Post base:
Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
4
Job purpose
To plan and deliver research as part of an EPSRC funded project on immobilised luminescent
lanthanide receptor-reporter systems for sensing of organophosphonates. To liaise with the
research group on this and related coordination chemistry/supramolecular projects.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
To develop and carry out research on the synthesis and characterisation of calixarene
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based amphiphilic lanthanide coordination complexes. Undertake Langmuir-Blodgett
deposition studies and study the photophysical properties of the resulting mono-layers.
Carry out sensing studies of the amphiphiles in solution and as immobilised mono-layers.
2.
Maintain data records, disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication
materials for referred journals, present results at conferences.
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3.
Carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for example
risk assessment of research activities, organisation of project meetings and
documentation. Implementation of procedures required ensuring accurate and timely
formal reporting.
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4.
To contribute up to 4 hours per week to teaching or other tasks e.g. supervision of junior
research staff in Chemistry during the academic year.
10
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
5.
5
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post
holder.
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)
Internal: As a member of the JAK group, the appointee will be expected to collaborate with
current group members and contribute to group meetings and other discussions with research
students and with Dr J Kitchen regarding delivery of objectives and project planning/management
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
PhD in coordination chemistry or
synthetic inorganic chemistry, either
awarded or pending.
Desirable
How to be
assessed
CV
Detailed understanding and
knowledge of coordination
chemistry and characterisation of
coordination complexes
CV,
references,
interview
Experience of molecular
characterisation using NMR, Mass
Spectrometry and X-ray
crystallography
CV,
references,
interview
Planning &
organising
Excellent organisational skills with
the ability to meet strict deadlines
and to work effectively under
pressure, both as an individual and
within a team.
CV,
references,
interview
Problem solving
& initiative
Able to develop understanding of
complex problems and apply indepth knowledge to address them
CV,
references,
interview
Able to develop original
techniques/methods
Management &
teamwork
Able to supervise work of junior
research staff, delegating effectively
References,
interview
Able to contribute to Academic Unit
management and administrative
processes
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Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
Communicating
& influencing
Communicate new and complex
information effectively, both verbally
and in writing
CV,
references,
interview
Able to present research results at
group meetings and conferences
Able to write up research results for
publication in leading peer-viewed
journals
Other skills &
behaviours
Understanding of relevant Health &
Safety issues
References,
Interview
Positive attitude to colleagues and
students
Special
requirements
Able to attend national and
international conferences to present
research results
Interview
Applications will be considered from
candidates who are working towards
or nearing completion of a relevant
PhD qualification. The title of
Research Fellow will be applied upon
completion of PhD. Prior to the
qualification being awarded the title
of Senior Research Assistant will be
given
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:
X

Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
X
X
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
X
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
X
Gross motor grips
X
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
X
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
X
X
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
X
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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