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Institution: University of Southampton
United Kingdom
Retrieved : 2020-05-12 Expired
Description :

Project: Theory and Methodology for Nuclear Spins Diffusing in Porous Media 

We are looking for a candidate to join the research group of Dr. Giuseppe Pileio to work on a project (Fixed Term for 3 years), funded by the Leverhulme Trust concerning the development of theory and methodology to study nuclear spins diffusing in porous media. The project runs within the Magnetic Resonance Section at the University of Southampton and is done in collaboration with Prof. Marcel Utz.

The project’s aim is to set up new diffusion-NMR based techniques to access structural information such as tortuosity in battery electrodes and 3D-printed scaffoldings for tissue engineering. To do so we will combine long-lived spin order methods with pulsed-field gradient techniques and field-cycling. The project is also supported by Bruker which will develop, together with us, some ad-hoc low-field NMR hardware. 

    Our objectives are: 

1. To develop a simulation framework to study spin relaxation due to magnetic inhomogeneities, i.e. to understand and be able to predict how the exact structure and distribution of pores acts in limiting the ability of conventional diffusion-NMR; 

2. To develop a new methodology to perform diffusion-NMR experiments enhanced through its combination with long-lived spin order and field-cycling methods, i.e. to devise new methods that allow diffusion-NMR to study porous samples otherwise inaccessible to conventional NMR techniques; 

3. To test the developed methodology in model systems and porous media of factual importance, i.e. prove the success, potentiality and limitations of the technique on samples of scientific and industrial interest, namely
 a 3D-printed scaffold for tissue engineering and the electrodes in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.

Your primary role will be to take charge of the hardware developments and NMR experimental side of the project. This includes: design, develop and assemble hardware in liaison with Bruker; devise and set up NMR methodology and, together with a PhD student, perform experiments and numerical simulations on proposed case studies. More information are available on request.

To be successful it is essential you have PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in either Chemistry, Physics or project related subject and experience with NMR technique.

Chemistry has been recently ranked 6th for research intensity and 8th for research power among all UK’s universities. The Magnetic Resonance Section offers a huge expertise that spans from theory of spin dynamics to NMR methodology in solid and liquid state, microfluidics NMR, protein NMR in liquid and solid state and NMR at cryogenic temperatures. We offer a variety of facilities including a 300MHz, two 400MHz, a 500MHz, three 600MHz and a 700MHz NMR magnets with equipment that allows solid-state, liquid state and micro-imaging applications. An EPR instrument is also available and we have access to complimentary techniques including X-Ray, micro-CT, IR and MS.

Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Chemistry. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2014 a and a second Silver award in 2017.  Chemistry gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities For further information please visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/about/Equality/index.page

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.  This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

*subject to qualifying criteria

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr. Giuseppe Pileio (G.Pileio@soton.ac.uk).  Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and the names of two referees who have been former supervisors/colleagues.

Applications for Research Fellow positions 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 successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application Procedure
You should submit your completed application form online at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. References are requested along with your application, so please allow time for these to be received prior to the close date, to assist the department with shortlisting. If you need any assistance, please call Annabelle Trimm (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043. Please quote vacancy reference number 1233420EB-R on all correspondence.


Closing Date: 30 Jun 2020
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise





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