The Department of Chemistry have an exciting opportunity for a motivated researcher with a keen interest in heterogeneous photocatalysis to join the Catalytic Plasmonics (CPLAS) project.

CPLAS is £10 million programme grant funded by EPSRC to investigate light-driven energy-conversion at the nanoscale to promote chemical transformations. The project aims to advance a new field of research (“plasmo-catalysis”) which will take the light-harvesting capabilities of metallic nanostructures (commonly used as heterogeneous catalysts) and transform this energy to control chemical reaction pathways.

You will work towards understanding the characteristics of monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticle-based heterogeneous catalysts (particle size, composition, morphology) that promote selective hydrogenation chemistry under visible light irradiation. The project will involve collaboration with CPLAS partners to fully understand these effects and will involve interaction with computational modelling, photo-physics, material synthesis, and catalytic expertise across the consortium.

You will join the research group of Dr Simon Freakley and develop strong links to partner institutions within the CPLAS project.

Further information

This is a fixed-term role for an initial period of two years.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Simon Freakley (sf756@bath.ac.uk).

What we can offer you:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

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