Research Associate in Catalysis (fixed-term post) (CC7918)

We seek to recruit a highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a new project to develop sustainable bio-based polymers. The project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is part of the UK Catalysis Hub. 

The UK Catalysis Hub was established in 2013 and has become a leading institution, both nationally and internationally, in the field and acts to coordinate, promote and advance the UK catalysis research portfolio. This post is part of the second phase of EPSRC funding for the UK Catalysis Hub.

This interdisciplinary project will involve biocatalysis, chemocatalysis and polymer science. It will be based in Professor Matthew Davidson’s group in the Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies at the University of Bath and will be co-supervised by Professor Nick Turner FRS (Manchester) and Dr Tom Farmer (York). It is anticipated that there will be the opportunity to spend time working in co-supervisors labs.

The aim of the project is to establish 2,5-Diformyl furan (DFF) as a versatile intermediate for the synthesis of monomers which can be incorporated into a range of polymers including polyesters, polyamides and polyurethanes. 

This is a fixed-term position for up to 24 months.

Applicants must hold a degree at PhD level in catalysis or relevant scientific discipline, or have relevant industrial experience.

For further information or an informal discussion about the position please contact Professor Matthew Davidson (m.g.davidson@bath.ac.uk), however, please ensure your application is submitted via the University website.

Applications should be accompanied by a full CV, and a brief statement of research interests and aspirations (no more than 2 pages). 

The Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies (CSCT) is a multidisciplinary research centre at the University of Bath that places fundamental concepts of sustainability and circularity at the core of research, innovation, training and outreach in applied science and engineering. Our vision is to make a significant international scientific contribution to breaking the global economy’s unsustainable reliance on fossil carbon. 

The UK Catalysis Hub was created with EPSRC funding with the aim to first establish a world-leading, comprehensive and coordinated programme of catalytic science in the UK; secondly to develop new knowledge and promote innovation in and translation of catalytic science and technology; and thirdly to enable the UK to regain and retain its world leading position in catalysis. The Hub was launched in April 2013 at its physical centre in the Research Complex at Harwell with a program of initial scientific projects starting from July 2013.

Our campus is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the City of Bath with its historic charm and social activity only a short distance away creates an excellent environment in which to work. We encourage all staff to learn, develop new skills and progress their careers throughout their employment with us and believe our staff are vital in creating the University’s inclusive and innovative community. We are committed to providing a family friendly workplace and our staff have access to a number of services that promote wellbeing and improve work-life balance. 

We recognise the commitment, achievements and talents of our workforce through our offering of initiatives and benefits, including (but not limited to): 

Generous employer pension contributions39 days holiday (annual leave, discretionary days and bank holidays)A flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional developmentOfsted outstanding rated onsite nurserySalary exchange scheme (cycle to work)Onsite private and NHS dentist, onsite medical centreEmployee discount scheme

We value, promote and celebrate inclusion, challenging discrimination and putting equality, diversity and belonging at the heart of everything we do. We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, creating a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances health and wellbeing across our community. We are very proud to have recently received Ambassadors for Autism certification and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader (level 3); committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Closing Date: 17 Dec 2020
Type: Education & Research