Research Assistant in Energy Storage and Conversion (Prof. Mauro Pasta)

Job description and selection criteria

The role

The post holder will join and undertake research as part of the Energy Storage and Conversion group, reporting to Prof. Mauro Pasta. 

We are looking for researchers with expertise, and extensive experience in electrochemistry in the following areas (Essential must-have criteria):

• electrochemistry
• electrocatalysis (electrocatalytic water splitting HER, OER; experience in other catalysis system can be considered relevant: fuel cell, photoelectrochemical catalysis, and carbon capture)

And preferably one or more of the following areas (Desirable):

• solid state materials chemistry
• material synthesis
• materials characterization including advanced imaging (i.e. FIB/SEM and TEM, spectroscopy and sample preparation) and X-ray techniques (i.e. XRD, XPS)

We are looking for well organised and self-motivated scientists, with the ability to manage the day-to-day running of a research project, and to carry out appropriate research activities within a given timescale, demonstrating the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues in an extremely fast-paced and intellectually stimulating environment.

Responsibilities/duties

• Support the research as directed by PI and cooperated with the other researchers to a high degree of professional competence.
• Manage own academic research and administrative activities, involving small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and present papers and posters.
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Selection criteria

• Hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree in chemistry / physics / material / engineering, together with relevant experience
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings
• Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project

Candidates will be considered for both the Research Assistant and Research Technician position depending on qualifications.

About OSCAR (Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research)  

OSCAR, the University of Oxford’s first overseas research centre, is working closely with the Suzhou Industrial Park and both academic and industrial collaborators in China to progress a range of exciting societal and economic development opportunities.

As a multidisciplinary research, innovation and technology centre, OSCAR focuses on research challenges and technologies that both complement the Centre’s location in Suzhou Industrial Park and capitalise on current Oxford research strengths. Research will initially be focused around the areas of biomedical engineering, biomedicine, advanced functional materials, electronic/ optoelectronic/ photonic devices, environmental technology, energy, mathematical and computational applications in finance and in health, and other related science and engineering disciplines.

The Centre is positioned in Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (SEID), a district in southern SIP with a high concentration of science, education and innovation activity. SEID is the archetype of higher education internationalization in China which hosts 32 local and foreign universities and institutions. The Centre, housed in a nine-storey building with a gross space of 20,000m2, offers flexible access to facilities for multi-functional activities such as labs, seminars, workshops, training, public events, and administration, etc. 

Guidance for Applicants

Thank you for your interest in applying for posts at the Oxford-Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR).

Before applying: 

Please read the job description and selection criteria carefully to determine whether you have the required skills, knowledge, and experience for the advertised role. Please DO NOT apply for the posts which are currently unavailable. We typically receive many applications for each post, so your cover letter should be used to show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in order to be shortlisted for interview.

How to apply:

Send your application to HR@oxford-oscar.cn

1. Email subject should be the title of the post for which you are applying
2. Include your contact information, name, telephone number and your availability for interview in the email.
3. Attach a cover letter and CV (both in English) as PDF documents.

Cover letter (no longer than one page):

Use the cover letter to explain your motivation for joining OSCAR, and state how your skills and experience match these requirements. Provide evidence that you have the skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications to meet the requirements of the post, with examples from previous work.

Curriculum Vitae (no longer than 8 pages):

Check that your CV is up-to-date, tailored to the job for which you are applying, and within the page limit. Highlight the skills and experience that are relevant to the post for which you are applying. Give details of your education, employment history, publication record, lists of prizes, and voluntary experience.

After applying:

The information you supply on your application will be provided to a selection panel, who will use it to assess your suitability for the post against the published selection criteria. You may be contacted via e-mail at any date regarding your application.

Your information is held securely in a database owned by OSCAR. The data will not be passed to external organisations or individuals other than those acting in a capacity as agents for OSCAR for software support purposes, or where an external body is party to the recruitment process.

When you submit an application to OSCAR you confirm that you agree to these Terms and Conditions of Use, including the following declarations:

• The information provided in the application materials is true and complete. I understand that any offer of employment may be conditional upon satisfactory screening. 
• I consent to be contacted by OSCAR at any date regarding my application. 
• I consent to the information given in this application being stored and processed in accordance with the data protection rules at OSCAR. 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a post at OSCAR.

 Recruitment Office

Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research