At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on analytical methods for studying chemicals in biological samples.
- Company: Join a leading Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, opportunities for professional growth, and contributions to impactful research.
- Other info: Engage in multidisciplinary collaborations and contribute to innovative research projects.
- Why this job: Make a difference in understanding human health and chemical exposure.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant fields with analytical chemistry expertise.
The predicted salary is between 35820 - 43780 £ per year.
We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate in Analytical Sciences to join the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability. You will undertake research focused on developing and applying analytical methods to investigate persistent organic chemicals and their metabolites in biological samples. Your work will contribute to understanding human exposure to different chemicals, associated early biological effects and their potential implications for health.
You will take responsibility for elements of the research, including experimental design, data collection, evaluation and interpretation, and will work autonomously to achieve agreed project milestones. Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, you will contribute to the development of innovative analytical approaches and techniques and help disseminate research through journal articles, technical outputs and national and international conferences. You will have opportunities to contribute to future research bids and grants, develop multidisciplinary collaborations and extend your own area of research. You will also provide guidance to research staff and students, contribute to industry collaborations and knowledge exchange, and build networks that support the wider research programme.
You will have a PhD, or be nearing completion, in an appropriate discipline, or possess an equivalent professional qualification and experience, with demonstrable expertise in analytical and/or environmental chemistry, toxicology or life sciences. You will bring practical experience of developing, optimising and validating chromatographic and mass spectrometric analytical methods, together with experience of theoretical and/or laboratory studies and setting up and calibrating analytical instrumentation.
You will have strong qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis skills, proven analytical problem-solving capability and evidence of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research or technical outputs. You will be an effective communicator who can explain complex information clearly and work confidently both independently and as part of a collegiate research team. You will be willing to work with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrate continued development of your subject expertise and show a commitment to continuous professional development. Experience of setting up and running biological samples and using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis software would be advantageous, as would the ability to develop new concepts and ideas that extend intellectual understanding.
Research Associate In Analytical Sciences employer: University of Leicester
The University of Leicester is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where staff are valued as integral members of a community dedicated to making a positive impact through education and research. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and sustainability, the university provides competitive salaries, excellent pension schemes, and generous leave allowances, ensuring that employees thrive both personally and professionally. Joining the University means becoming part of a forward-thinking institution that champions diversity and fosters collaboration across all levels.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate In Analytical Sciences
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Leicester, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Leicester. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate In Analytical Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Leicester. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Leicester. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leicester
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Leicester. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Leicester to drive research projects forward.