Research Assistant in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Cardiff University; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant in Heterogeneous Catalysis at Cardiff University focusing on the design and testing of novel catalysts. You will play a vital role in research publication and participate in a dynamic research environment. We're looking for a motivated scientist with a degree in Chemistry to contribute to high-impact research projects and engage collaboratively within a team.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity and innovation.
• Knowledge of plasmonic photocatalysis for nitrate reduction.
• Experience with competitive research funding applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Heterogeneous Catalysis and support research publications.
• Participate in School administration and communicate findings effectively.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise in the field through literature review.

Skills

Research methods and techniques

Analysing complex information

Communication skills

Team-working skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry or equivalent experience

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Job description

Advert

Research Assistant in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff University

We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on this project is where the main objective is the design, synthesis, testing and comprehensive characterisation of novel heterogeneous catalysts for ammonia synthesis by plasmon-photocatalysis, using batch and flow reactor systems.

Further information is available at the following group webpages:
Professor Graham Hutchings https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38519-hutchings-graham

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Professor Graham Hutchings: [e-mail].

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Caroline Pasmore: [e-mail].

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st September 2025 for 12 months.

Salary: £33,482 - £36,130 per annum (Grade 5).

Important note: It is the University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 20333BR.

Date advert posted: Thursday, 26 June 2025

Closing date: Sunday, 13 July 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply.

Job Description

Main Function

To contribute to research within the field of Heterogeneous Catalysis carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research

• To undertake research within Heterogeneous Catalysis using plasmonic photocatalysis by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments;

• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners;

• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required;

• To contribute and support research funding bids as required;

• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages;

To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting;

• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate;

• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team;

• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world;

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance;

• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties;

• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion;

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Additional Information

Project Description

The main objective of this project is to design and develop multifunctional catalysts the design of new plasmonic photocatalysts and/or electrocatalysis.

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criterion as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (e.g. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. A degree in Chemistry, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2. Knowledge of research methods and techniques within Heterogeneous Catalysis on the use of plasmonic photocatalysis for the reduction of nitrate to ammonia.

3. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately.

4. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working

5. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences.

6. Excellent organisational and team-working skills.

Other

7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work.

Desirable Criteria

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/ submission) in a Heterogeneous Catalysis

2. Evidence of collaborations with international partners.

3. Proven ability to work without close supervision.

4. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

5. Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.