Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the group of Dr Chiara Giorio at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry to work on two project areas:

  • The development of a measurement system for ice cores based on Extractive Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (EESI-MS). The project aims to use high-resolution 3D-printing to develop a new EESI source that will allow for continuous analysis of ice cores, gradually melted in continuous on a melting-head, for the determination of terrestrial and marine biomarkers with high time resolution on the archive. The method invokes a three-step process: (1) the melted ice core sample is sent to a nebulizer to produce aerosol, then (2) the aerosol is dried, in a commercially evailable nafion drier, to remove water content and concentrate the sample, and (3) the aerosol is sent to a mass spectrometer through an ESI source. Both the nebulizer and ESI probe will be fabricated using a 3D printer.

    • The successful applicant will be expected to take the lead on the instrumental development activities within the Giorio’s group. The applicant will have the opportunity to work independently as well as in a team with other group members and more widely across the University, and to present at project meetings and international conferences. There is scope for the successful candidate to develop and pursue their own research questions within the experimental systems, with the support of undergraduate and postgraduate students. We will encourage the successful candidate to develop their skills and experience in higher education teaching, enabled through opportunities to teach and supervise, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant area (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Sciences, Physics, etc.). Experience in one or more of these areas is an advantage: instrumental development, low-cost sensor technologies, 3D-printing, and/or computational fluid dynamics.

    The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

    The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

    The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.