Job Title: Continuous Flow Chemistry Research Lead
IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) is seeking a Continuous Flow Chemistry Researcher to play a leading role in a new pilot project within the centre. This project will develop 3D printed hardware for continuous flow chemistry applications in conjunction with IMR’s industrial research partners. Success for the project entails development of a commercial start-up, and the establishment of an ongoing research theme within IMR.
The successful candidate will be the chemistry subject matter expert within a new research project team; they will want to plan research and development strategy from a commercial chemistry perspective, identify and prioritise skill sets needed as the team grows, and be prepared to be very much hands on for the first year of the project.
The successful candidate must have previous experience applying flow chemistry solutions within industrial or research environments either as a displacement process to traditional techniques or as a complementary process. The ideal candidate should also have demonstrated significant experience in developing CFD simulations and reaction kinetics modelling to support commercial flow chemistry applications. Additional skills and attributes will include:
- Strong practical experience in application of continuous flow chemistry research. Very strong understanding of the challenges in industrial implementation of this technology.
- Meticulous, efficient approach to hands on experimental research, with a gift for technical troubleshooting
- Excellence in writing, editing, communication and presentation skills.
- Be creative; having the ability to work on their own initiative, being able to interpret abstract concepts and demonstrate analytical capabilities to deliver solutions.
- Excited by the challenge of developing workable continuous flow designs for industry within a tight timeframe
- Results-orientated and go the extra mile to get the job done.
Purpose of the Job:
The objective of the Centre, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA Ireland, is to undertake industry-focused applied research for the benefit of, and with direct relevance to, the Irish manufacturing industry. The Job will support development of novel continuous flow hardware for the fine chemical industry in Ireland. Specific responsibilities include:
- Work as one of the founding members of a new research team; plan development of research focus; and solve technical challenges encountered during development.
- Understand user requirements of early adopters of continuous flow technology, and communicate these to non-chemist design engineers.
- Develop, modify, and validate OpenFOAM solvers to support design development
- Specify and procure equipment on tight budgets and timelines
- Plan, execute, and recording experimental trials to validate design of novel continuous flow hardware
- Work with senior industry stakeholders to develop commercially relevant continuous flow processes – assessing application opportunities and communicating results of research.
- Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
- Support management and growth of positive industry stakeholder relationships
- Promote and support safe work practices across the IMR lab environment.
Desired Skills and Experience
Essential:
- At least 3-5 years' experience within an applied-research environment (industrial or within a research organisation) with a focus on flow chemistry.
- Proven track record in project delivery, running small teams, planning resourcing and budgets
- Excellent practical experience and capability in equipment specification and continuous chemical process test bed construction with a proven track record in technical trouble shooting.
- Expert knowledge of industrial application of flow chemistry.
- Strong experience in DOE and associated statistical methodology as the basis for process characterisation.
- Strong background in CFD and reaction kinetic modelling; with OpenFOAM as a preferred software.
- Previous experience will have required candidate to collect, analyse, and report technical data, and interpret and present conclusions for stakeholders.
- PhD or equivalent experience in relevant engineering or scientific disciplines.
- EU work permit.
Desirable:
- Experience preferred in Arduino circuit boards and C++ programming/compilation
- PhD in relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
- Demonstrable expertise in Project Management.
- Previous experience in IP generation preferred.
Salary & Benefits
This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (depending on experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.
8987Applicants must include an up-to-date CV with their application.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday February 19th. 2021.
Skills:
Continuous Improvement, Flow, Chemistry
Ref: 8777
