Closing Date: 10th June 2014
Job Ref: EN20140155AS

We are seeking a highly creative and motivated Research Associate with proven skills in membrane characterisation and imaging to join the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials (ICAM) to understand and develop novel polymer membranes for the desalination of water. The successful candidate will develop techniques to image and characterise membranes at the molecular scale to help improve knowledge in understanding process performance at a plant-wide scale. You will use advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scattering (X-rays and neutron) and PALS techniques as well as develop novel sample preparation and imaging approaches.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on an intellectually demanding and high profile research project within a leading academic institution and develop multidisciplinary research leadership skills. The research project is part of the prestigious BP International Centre for Advanced Materials (BP-ICAM) which is a multidisciplinary research consortium led by University of Manchester, UK and supported by the University of Cambridge, UK and the University of Illinois, USA as well as Imperial College London. You will be expected to collaborate with the other BP-ICAM partners, contributing to the capabilities of the overall BP-ICAM mission.

Successful candidates must have:

• A PhD in Chemical or Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a closely related discipline or related field or equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience.
• A demonstrated track record of original research in molecular imaging and characterisation using high resolution and analytical transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS), scattering, grazing incidence small and wide-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques
• Experience in developing novel sample preparation and imaging approaches (e.g. heavy metal staining methods, ultramicrotomy, FIB)
• Experience in research and development projects involving polymer characterisation, in particular membranes and composites.
• Knowledge of polymer science, structure and dynamics, and materials chemistry;
• Knowledge of membrane science and technology.
• Experience in microtoming, high resolution imaging and advanced image analysis is desirable.
• A track record of refereed journal publications demonstrating both numerical and analytical skills relevant for the investigation.
• Excellent communication skills, including abilities to write clearly and succinctly for publications and to present scientific results orally and coherently.

This position requires an innovative Researcher who is able to work independently and with other Researchers and collaborators on this project. You will have the ability to generate new and test new ideas and apply them, and be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.

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