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Form of work
SalaryAbout us
The Chemistry Department at University College London is the oldest in England, with 100% of it outputs ranked as being world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in the recent REF2021. We are located in Bloomsbury, at the heart of London, and offer an exciting and vibrant environment in which to study in one of the UK's top universities. The Department of Chemistry at UCL is committed to supporting excellence in both research and teaching. The department offers undergraduate BSc and MSci programmes in Chemistry and currently teaches ~650 undergraduates registered in Chemistry as well as students who select Chemistry on the Natural Sciences programme and first year Chemistry for life scientists. The Chemistry Department has over 60 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. We specialise in the areas of organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, inorganic and materials chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics. The department has an annual research income of around £15 million, derived from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and NERC), European Commission and a wide range of charities and industrial partners in the UK, Europe and the USA. Details about our research can be found on the departmental website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemistry.
About the role
This position is available to work on the synthesis of precursors for the deposition of anti-soiling coatings via atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD), which will be achieved through the development of rare-earth oxide precursors. The objective of this research is to develop and test thin inorganic rare-earth oxide coatings for application to solar cover glass. The hydrophobic coating will be low surface energy to reduce the adhesion to soiling. The ideal coating will be capable of being applied at industrial scale using an APCVD process that is compatible with glass manufacturing. Use of the coating will significantly improve the practical power output of solar modules and will have worldwide impact. The appointee will work as part of an established research team of PhD and Masters students within the Department of Chemistry at UCL, and is a collaborative project with the University of Loughborough. A key component of the research will include air/moisture sensitive synthesis, thin film deposition and data analysis of all produced materials. The appointee will play a leading role in the research team, including supervising and training existing group members. The position is funded by the EPSRC and is available immediately and for up to12 months. The candidate will join Professor Ivan Parkin and Professor Claire Carmalt’s research teams in the Department of Chemistry at the Bloomsbury Campus of University College London. Information about the group can be found on https://www.carmaltparkingroup.com/ The post is a UCL grade 7 post, the salary for which ranges from £42,099 to £50,585 per annum (including London Allowance of £4,500 p.a.). Starting salary is usually £42,099. upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332 - £38,966 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,000) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. A full job description and person specification can be accessed via the link at the bottom of the page. To apply, click 'Apply' and upload a CV, list of publications and cover letter. Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Carmalt (c.j.carmalt@ucl.ac.uk). Enquiries regarding the application process can be directed to hr.chem@ucl.ac.uk.
About you
The postholder will be required to develop new precursors for the rare earth metal oxides. A key feature of the project will be to investigate the deposition of thin films utilising the precursors – both lab- and large scale films: bringing together Schlenk synthesis skills with materials deposition and characterisation. Materials characteristics of the deposited films will be probed for their hydrophobicity for application as anti-soiling coatings. Experimental work will be carried out independently but also as part of a team of researchers based in the Chemistry Department, and through collaborations with Loughborough University. The postholder will be expected to supervise PhD and Masters students, assisting experimentally with their research projects, where necessary, and reading drafts of reports and papers, as well as managing lab safety.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • Immigration loan • Relocation scheme for certain posts • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. The Department has been awarded a Silver Athena Swan Award and we support the Athena beliefs that: • The advancement of science, engineering and technology (SET) is fundamental to quality of life across the globe. • It is vitally important that women are adequately represented in what has traditionally been, and is still, a male-dominated area. • Science cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of the whole population, and until women and men can benefit equally from the opportunities it affords. Further information on Athena Swan is at http://www.athenaswan.org.uk/
