Research Associate in GB Chemicals

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering here: Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering | Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering | Newcastle University

Duration of post is 2 years

Key Accountabilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Evaluate and select appropriate chemicals as case study examples
• Apply a combination of literature reviews, expert knowledge, and chemical and biological databases with chemi/bio-informatics analyses to develop and validate enzyme assays for the selected chemicals
• Develop generic end-point analyses to quantify chemical disappearance or biotransformation in a high-throughput manner and validate them in the laboratory using appropriate sensitive analytical techniques
• Apply the approach to develop high-throughput biodegradation assays using natural environmental inocula to generate datasets to investigate the role of chemical structure on biodegradation outcomes
• Support the development of guidance for stakeholder industry and environmental regulators

The Person

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Experience of using chemical and biological databases and chemi/bio-informatic tools
• Laboratory experience of developing and using in vitro enzyme and/or biodegradation assays using environmental inocula
• Experience of using analytical chemistry techniques (e.g. LC or GC mass spectrometry, size-exclusion/gel permeation chromatography, NMR, FTIR)
• A good understanding of microbiology
• Skills in data analysis, modelling, or programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar)
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications
• Demonstrable experience and evidence of publishing papers

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline
• PhD in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field
• Driving Licence (Desirable)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29626