Research Associate

**Job Purpose**-The researcher(s) will be working in the area broad area of unconventional computing and computer science using chemistry with skills combining some expertise and / or interest in the following areas:, Algorithm optimisation, computing architectures, molecular logic, electronics design, analytics for chemistry. We are looking for someone with experience / wish to learn some of the following: complex chemical systems e.g. reaction diffusion, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**

**Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal/Co Investigator**:

- Take a role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
- Take a role in the design, building and testing of programmable chemical computers. Collaborate with team-members to develop chemical systems capable of chemical information processing.
- Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
- Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
- Take a role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
- Take a role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (eg. Academic and Industrial Partners).
- Take a role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
- Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
- Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
- Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
- Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

**Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience**

**Knowledge/Qualifications**

**Essential**:

A1 An awarded PhD or equivalent in chemistry/chemical physics/computer science or a related area (or having submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment).
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in the complex chemical systems and unconventional computation.
A3 Knowledge of programming using C++ or a similar system.
A4 In depth knowledge of algorithm optimisation in the field of chemical computing.

**Skills**

**Essential**:

C1 Proven skills in a field relevant to at least one of the following: Molecular dynamics simulations, microsystems chemistry, microfluidics, electrochemistry, optical control, electronics design, analytics for chemistry.
C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability.
C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
C9 Good Team Leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills
C10 Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate to disseminate findings to colleagues.
C11 Strong cross-discipline collaborative ability, including evidence of working across industry and academia.
C12 Able to work in both industrial and academic environments with a good understanding of key legislative and policy frameworks.

**Experience**

**Essential**:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience, normally 2-3 years.
E2 Experience in algorithm optimisation and molecular computing.
E3 Experience of programming.
E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
E6 Experience of the design of unconventional computing systems.

**Terms and Conditions**
Salary will be Grade 7, £37,474 - £42,155 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 yea