Description Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Grade: Grade 6 (£30,805 - £36,130) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (6 Months) Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University Detailed Description An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to work on the industry-funded project: Continuous Preparation and Analysis of Pharmaceutical Polymers in Flow. The research project with Ferring Controlled Therapeutics ( FCT ) will initially develop proof-of-concept studies that use our flow chemistry capabilities to control polymer nanoparticle formation. Key Duties and Responsibilities The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following: Design and set up laboratory experiments, including the use of microfluidic flow technology systems to investigate polymer nanoparticle formation. This shall include assessing various polymers and reactor conditions. Carry out regular maintenance of the equipment essential to the project, such as the size exclusion chromatography instrument and flow chemistry equipment. Communicate regularly and effectively with the existing research team and industrial partner and prepare a final project report that captures the key project results. We will primarily measure the suitability of applicants for this project based on their chemistry knowledge of the project, including small molecule synthesis and polymerisation, and their expertise in analytical chemistry in studying reactions. Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all essential duties and responsibilities. The Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt The Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) at Heriot-Watt is a vibrant research environment with a strong track record in materials science and polymer research relevant to this project. Our diverse research activity includes the chemical synthesis of organic and biologically active compounds, inorganic and organometallic compounds, and supramolecular species, as well as the preparation of novel polymeric composite and hybrid materials for technological applications. We study behaviour at interfaces relevant to catalysis and environmental science and develop novel spectroscopic techniques to study these phenomena. At Heriot-Watt, we operate the Continuum Laboratory, which is dedicated to the exploitation of flow chemistry. Here, we can execute and monitor reactions in flow, including the use of the following monitoring techniques: benchtop NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis, size exclusion chromatography, and mass spectrometry. We also have the capability for continuous separation of reaction products, completing a total flow toolkit. Education, Qualifications and Experience Essential: Qualifications A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline Experience Experience in completing lab health and safety risk and COSHH assessments to a good standard Experience conducting laboratory experiments in a safe, systematic, and organised way Experience running and analysing chemistry reactions Experience in performing data interpretation and analysis Competencies, Skills and Knowledge Excellent IT skills Good report-writing skills Excellent communication skills Good team player with good interpersonal skills Desirable: Qualifications Postgraduate research experience or qualifications in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline Experience Experience running other real time analytical techniques Experience setting up reactors and running preventative maintenance Experience supervising undergraduate project students Experience troubleshooting common problems encountered running reactions Competencies, Skills and Knowledge Experience with a range of data processing and visualisation tools Experience presenting key results to stakeholders and project partners Knowledge of health and safety practices that contribute to the safe running of the laboratory and equipment About Heriot-Watt Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. How to Apply Applications can be submitted until midnight on the Tuesday 25th March 2025. Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) a cover letter (max one page) describing your interest and suitability for the post and (2) a CV (max two pages) that captures critical information relevant to this position and your alignment with the Education, Qualifications and Experience criteria. Candidates can make informal enquiries about this position to Dr Filipe Vilela (f.vilelahw.ac.uk). At Heriot-Watt, we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real-world impact, which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.