The School of Physical Sciences is seeking an enthusiastic candidate to join the Materials for Energy and Electronics group to pursue work in inorganic materials chemistry under the supervision of Dr Paul Saines.
The successful applicant will work as part of a team on an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded project, including researchers from the Universities of Kent and Cambridge. This research programme will develop new magnetocaloric materials for low temperature cooling applications, with the aim of developing technologies that reduce dependence on scarce and expensive liquid helium.
Previous experience with the synthesis of inorganic materials, e.g. metal-organic frameworks or other extended solids, is essential. Experience with X-ray diffraction, including structural refinement, is also essential. Previous experience with solvothermal synthesis, magnetic property measurements and working at central facilities is desirable.
You will ideally have completed a PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline, although candidates in the final stages of completing their degree are encouraged to apply, provided they can provide a reference attesting that their PhD viva will be held by the end of August 2020, or shortly thereafter.
As a Research Associate on this project, you will:
Undertake research at an internationally competitive level
Contribute to the development of specific areas of the research project
Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Design and independently execute the necessary experiments maintaining an up-to-date log of the research activity undertaken and of the obtained results
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects
To be successful in this role you will have:
PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry or related, relevant discipline or to be in the final stages of obtaining such a qualification
Experience in related inorganic materials synthesis
Experience of structural refinement of diffraction data from inorganic materials
High degree of organisation and ability to plan complex experimental studies
Evidence of excellent written and oral English Communication skills and ability to write for publications is essential
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Paul Saines (
[email protected])
The School of Physical Sciences (SPS) is situated in the newly refurbished science laboratories on the Canterbury Campus - a green garden campus that overlooks the historic city – and just an hour by high-speed train to London. It is part of the Faculty of Sciences within the University of Kent, and offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Forensic Sciences.