Department of Chemistry

A 3-year PhD studentship is available in the group led by Dr Silvia Vignolini in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis to investigate the use of cellulose as a photonic material.

The most brilliant colours in nature are produced not with pigments but by nano-structuring transparent materials. As an example, some plants obtain vibrant colour by producing self-assembled cellulose nanostructures on their foliage and flowers. Cellulose is the most abundant and environmentally friendly among bio-polymers available today. Using cellulose as a photonic material will lead to cheap and sustainable photonic devices. It will also address fundamental questions about the biological significance and assembly mechanisms in cellulose-based natural photonic structures. In this project, cellulose photonic materials will be fabricated and optically characterised with different spectroscopic techniques. The project will be multi-disciplinary, involving a close collaboration with the Departments of Physics and Plant Sciences.

Applicants should have obtained (or be about to obtain) an honours degree (at least equivalent to a UK II.1) and preferably a Masters in physics, chemistry, or other relevant subject, and should be self-motivated, with a strong interest in working as part of a multi-disciplinary research team. Demonstrated programming skills would also be advantageous.

The studentship provides a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the home/EU rate. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements for the Home/EU fees rate. Non-EU nationals can be considered only if they already have the means to cover the fees differential for overseas students.

Applications should include a CV and contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Dr Silvia Vignolini, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW (email: sv319@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01712 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department of Chemistry in conjunction with NERC's National Centre for Atmospheric Science wishes to appoint a University Lecturer in atmospheric science to take up appointment as soon as possible. Candidates must have a strong research background in any branch of computational atmospheric science and should be able to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate level across a wide range of topics in the Department of Chemistry. The successful candidate will complement a strong research section, covering numerical modelling and atmospheric and laboratory data collection/analysis, in the groups of Professor John Pyle, Professor Rod Jones, Dr Markus Kalberer and Dr Neil Harris.

Appointment to a Lectureship will be for an initial probationary period of five years, with reappointment to the retiring age subject to satisfactory performance.

Information about all the Department's research and teaching activities is available from the Chemistry Department's website (http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk). Prospective candidates may make informal enquiries to Professor Pyle (john.pyle@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk).

Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a statement (up to eight pages) covering your research experience to date and research plans for the future. This should be accompanied by a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/forms/chris6/), and should be sent electronically as a pdf file to Dr Howard Jones, Academic Secretary, Department of Chemistry (email: hrnj1@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01473 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a part-time (0.65 FTE) research assistant to work with Professor Clare Grey in the Department of Chemistry on the development and application of in-situ NMR techniques for the study of lithium ion batteries.

Applicants should have a good first degree, ideally a masters degree, in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Science. Experience in battery characterisation and testing and/or experience in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and the application of this methodology to problems in solid-state chemistry and physics would be a distinct advantage.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Tina Jost, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: tj201@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01587 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available for 3 and 2 years respectively in the first instance.

Applications are invited for two post-doctoral research positions in theoretical modelling of energy materials (eg: lithium and sodium batteries, supercapacitors and solid oxide fuel cells, carbon capture and oxygen looping). These positions are available as soon as possible (although a later start date may be possible) and are available to work in Professor Clare Grey's research group in the Chemistry Department at Cambridge University.

The first position involves the use of theoretical approaches to study supercapacitors and batteries. Successful candidates will be expected to work closely with Professor Clare Grey's experimental group in the Chemistry Department linking theoretical calculations with experimental measurements (such as NMR, diffraction, XAS). The funds for this post are available for three years in the first instance.

The second position involves the use of DFT-based theory to study advanced materials for chemical looping and oxygen production. This project is funded by the EPSRC and will involve a collaboration with the Engineering Departments at Cambridge (Drs. S. Scott and J. S. Dennis) and the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials at Newcastle University (Professor I Metcalfe). The aim of the project is to develop and evaluate materials theoretically that can be used to donate oxygen in various chemical looping processes (eg: air separation). The work will attempt to link the fundamental chemistry of the materials (working in collaboration with engineering groups) to their performance. The funds for this post are available for two years in the first instance.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering or materials science. Applicants should also be experienced in a range of theoretical methods including, but not limited to, DFT based calculations and MD simulations. The successful applicants may be expected to be involved in the supervision of undergraduate students and post-graduates and to liaise with different research-based consortia within Cambridge, Britain and Europe. Experience applying computational methodology to problems in either solid state chemistry, surfaces or energy related systems is required and experience with running small unix-based clusters is desirable but not essential.

Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Tina Jost, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: tj201@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01463 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced individual with enthusiasm, vision and a commitment to excellent customer service to help us provide excellent library services for staff and students. Responsibilities of the role include the provision and future development of a comprehensive bibliographic and information service to all members of the department and users from other departments in the university to ensure that research needs are met and undergraduate courses supported. You will also participate in the planning and development of information services in the library and will maintain the Library website.

Applications are sought from candidates with experience of librarian work in an academic environment, and development and delivery of training in the use of Library services and resources. The successful candidate will be a graduate, preferably with a science qualification either as postgraduate diploma or first degree or equivalent, will have a qualification in Librarianship or Information Studies and experience of working in a similar role in an academic or research library setting. A sound understanding of electronic information sources, automated library systems and standard office applications is essential and, as you will manage a part time Library Assistant, experience of staff management would also be beneficial.

This appointment is subject to a health assessment. Whether an outcome is satisfactory will be determined by the University.

Application forms can be downloaded from the University website at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris5/ and are also available along with further information from Emma Graham, tel: 01223 763188 or email ejg49@cam.ac.uk

Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.

Please quote reference MA01514 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

Fixed-term: Funds for these posts are available for 3 years.

Ten Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions are offered in the FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) SASSYPOL. This research-training network involves institutions across Europe (10 from the academic sector and 2 from the private sector) which will train a new generation of highly skilled chemists in the production of novel functional soft systems and materials, and push this emerging field of research into applications at the cutting-edge of nanotechnology. The expertise of all partners encompasses supramolecular chemistry and dynamic self-assembly, but individual research competences are quite diverse focusing on molecularly defined nanostructures, liquid crystalline materials, hydrogen-bonded supramolecules, molecular systems based on host-guest interactions, and advanced modelling and characterisation techniques of polymeric and self-assembled materials.

Supramolecular chemistry provides a powerful approach to develop new self-assembled materials with properties, such as healability, recyclability and facile processability, which will have applications in biomedicine, energy, composite materials and sensing. The ITN unites leading experts from academic and industry in the areas of supramolecular and polymer chemistry. Partners from the private sector will extend training beyond that of a traditional academic setting, by bridging fundamental science with application and commercialisation. The ITN will thus embrace both breadth and quality that can be achieved only through an interdisciplinary pan-European effort.

The training programme aims to improve theoretical, practical and complementary skills of the recruited ESRs: it includes state-of-the-art local training activities, network-wide courses and workshops, and secondments in partner laboratories.

ESR Fellowships are available in the following research groups. These positions are open to suitable qualified researchers in the first four years of their research career. Please refer to the Marie Curie website for eligibility details (http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/mariecurieactions/glossary_en.html). ESR Fellowships are offered in conjunction with a PhD position at the host institution, subject to the ESR Fellow satisfying the admissions requirements of the host institution. Additional funding may be available in countries where PhD training lasts longer than three years.

University of Cambridge, UK (Dr O Scherman): Tunable Hydrogels Driven by Host-Guest Interactions

University of Parma, Italy (Prof E Dalcanale): Supramolecular Polymer Blends through Host-Guest Interactions

Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands (Prof R Sijbesma): Biomimetic Hydrogels

Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands (Prof D Broer): Structured Hydrogels with Dynamic Response

University of Zaragoza, Spain (Prof J L Serrano): Nanoporous Membranes Based on Supramolecular Organisations

University of Manchester, UK (Prof D Leigh): Extremely Strong and Switchable H-bonded Polymers

University of Fribourg, Switzerland (Prof A Kilbinger): Non-Covalent Rod-Coil Networks via Olefin Metathesis

Suprapolix, Netherlands (Dr A Bosman): Self-Healing Supramolecular Materials

Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS (JCNS-1) & Institute for Complex Systems (ICS-1), Germany (Prof W Pyckhout-Hintzen): Neutron Scattering Investigation of Supramolecular H-bonding Effects

ESPCI - Paris Tech, France (Prof L Leibler): Responsive Materials Based on Supramolecular Branched Polymers

Applications should include a CV and contact details for at least two professional referees, and should be sent to Glenda Harden (mel-sec@ch.cam.ac.uk) and to the supervisor leading the project of choice at the specified institution. Please include a cover letter outlining your specific qualifications, indicating your preferred host group and willingness to be considered for other posts in the network.

The Department Stores provides a purchasing and inventory function, is a central point for Goods-In and is responsible for the day-to-day stock control of the Departmental solvent, gas and general stores. As part of the stores team reporting to the Chief Storekeeper, the role holder will be involved in a range of purchasing activities including raising purchase orders for stock and non-stock items/services, using the University's Oracle based Finance System (CUFS) to issue/receive stock items, maintaining a stores inventory and serving at the stores counter.

The successful candidate will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent including maths and a physical science subject. They will be able to demonstrate good interpersonal, organisational, communication and IT skills plus have the ability to work on their own initiative. Previous experience of working in a stores environment along with pedestrian forklift experience/licence and manual handling training are desirable. Experience of Oracle Financials would be advantageous but training is available.

This appointment is subject to a health assessment. Whether an outcome is satisfactory will be determined by the University.

Application forms can be downloaded from the University website at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris5/ and are also available along with further information from Emma Graham, tel: 01223 763188 or email ejg49@ch.cam.ac.uk.

Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.

Please quote reference MA01452 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

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 work on the development of disposable chemical upper air sondes as parts of the NERC Greenhouse gAs Uk and Global Emissions (GAUGE) and Studies of UTLS Composition and Structure Using Disposable Composition Sondes projects which are aimed at improved knowledge of vertical profiles of greenhouse gases in the UK and in the tropical tropopause region. Such information is needed to constrain greenhouse gas emission inventories and to quantify atmospheric transport processes for climate models. This work is part of a broader NERC programme and will involve collaboration with scientists at other UK and international institutions.

The project extends the use of low cost gas sensor technologies (in this case for CO2, CO and O3, developed with EPSRC and NERC support at Cambridge), and will involve the laboratory development and field deployment of upper air Sondes in both the UK and Tropical Pacific region, and the interpretation of results. The role holder will be involved in all aspects of the work.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant area. Experience in making and interpreting measurements of atmospheric trace gases is an advantage. The successful applicant may also have the opportunity to engage in teaching and supervising final year or Masters projects.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry with Professor Rod Jones and will involve collaborating with colleagues in the GAUGE and Studies of UTLS Composition and Structure Using Disposable Composition Sondes projects.

For further information/informal enquiries, please contact Professor Rod Jones (e-mail: rlj1001@cam.ac.uk).

Applicants may also be interested in position MA01357, Research Associate: Atmospheric Measurement of Trace Species.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/) and should be sent to Sian Bunnage, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: slb61@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01358 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2014 in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Professor Chris Abell to use fragment-based approaches to discover molecules that inhibit enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The project will involve the discovery and development of enzyme inhibitors, and is part of a larger drug discovery initiative in collaboration with Professor Tom Blundell (Department of Biochemistry).

Applicants should have a PhD in biological chemistry. Proven expertise in enzymology, NMR screening methods, and assay development is essential; some knowledge of fragment-based approaches and synthetic chemistry would be advantageous.

This position is available from 1 October 2013. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Katherine Abell, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom (e-mail: ka204@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA01337 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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