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Job Description
Job Title:
Research Assistant/Associate in Catalysts for CO2 Reduction
Department/Section: Department of Chemistry
Nanostructured Materials and Devices Group
Location:
South Kensington Campus
Reporting to:
Dr Charlotte K Williams and Professor Milo Shaffer
Level:
Research and Education A/B
Working hours:
Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Fixed Term:
2 years in the first instance, with the possibility of a contract
extension until 30/04/13
Summary of post:
To prepare, characterize and test new organometallic complexes as precursors for the
preparation of various metal/metal oxide nano-structured catalysts. These catalysts will
be applied for the hydrogenation of CO2.
In particular, ‘soft materials synthetic
techniques’, such as the controlled hydrolyses of organometallic reagents, will used to
prepare ZnO nanoparticles and metal/ZnO nanoparticles (for an example of the synthetic
method see Gonzalez Campo, A. et al, Chem. Commun, 2009, 4034). These, and
various new nano-particles, will be tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2.
The synthesis, characterization and study of various molecular compounds, aggregates
and nanoparticles which can bind, activate and reduce CO2 will also be studied using
various in situ spectroscopic techniques.
Research Duties:
to plan and carry out synthesis of new compounds in accordance with the
project aims
to characterize new compounds and test their potential for carbon dioxide
reduction
to take initiatives in the planning of research
to conduct data analysis
to ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
to maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
to write research reports
to present findings in the form of written and oral presentations
to help prepare patents and publications
Other Duties
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to undertake appropriate administration tasks
to attend relevant meetings
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations,
Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and
Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property
Rights and Register of Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the
requirements of Health and Safety legislation;
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety
legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor.
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and of
eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles
set out in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Person Specification
Job Title
Research Assistant/Associate in Catalysts for CO2 Reduction
Department /
Section
Department of Chemistry
Nanostructured Materials and Devices Group
Qualifications
Research Assistant: About to submit a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry or have
an equivalent level of professional qualification and experience in a closely
related area.
Research Associate: Hold a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry in the field of
organometallic chemistry, inorganic materials synthesis and/or catalysis or
have an equivalent level of professional qualification and experience
Knowledge / Experience
Expertise in organometallic chemistry, inorganic materials synthesis and
catalysis
Experience of the synthesis and complete characterisation of organometallic
and inorganic complexes.
Experience of the synthesis of inorganic materials, e.g. metal oxides or metal
nanoparticles from organometallic precursors, or of catalysis, e.g. reduction,
CO2 activation, etc.
Experience of obtaining and analysing full characterisation data on
metal/metal oxide nanoparticles or new catalysts.
Practical experience within a research environment and publication track
record in relevant and peer reviewed journals
Desirable:
Experience the catalytic activation and reduction of CO2
Skills and Abilities
Handling and manipulation of air and moisture sensitive compounds
Ability to synthesise and characterise well-defined organometallic and
coordination compounds
Ability to synthesis inorganic materials, including metal oxide nano-materials
Ability to analyse spectra and fully charactertise the novel compounds,
including experience of microscopy, XRD and spectroscopic techniques to
analyse metal/metal oxide nanoparticles
Ability to test the catalytic activity in CO2 hydrogenation reactions.
Ability to uncover the catalytic kinetics and mechanism
Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication and presentational skills and the ability to
deal with a wide range of people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
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Computer skills including word-processing, spreadsheets, image editing, data
searching and analysis
Personal Attributes
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality, safety and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences