Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) is seeking a Continuous Flow Chemistry Researcher to play a leading role in a new pilot project. The project will build on existing advanced manufacturing expertise at IMR to develop 3D printed hardware for continuous flow chemistry applications in conjunction with industrial research partners as part of a Commercialisation Fund award. Success for the project entails development of a commercial start-up, and the establishment of an ongoing research theme within IMR.

Simple flow chemistry solutions can pose complex engineering challenges. The successful candidate will be the chemical engineering subject matter expert, and a founding member of a new research project team. They will plan, develop, and verify engineering solutions to the challenges commonly faced by chemists when adopting novel flow processes.  They will be be prepared to be completely hands in for the first year of the project, and will take a senior leadership role as the research group grows.

The successful candidate will be responsible for modelling the performance of novel, millimetre scale flow reactors, and will have significant expertise in developing and applying CFD tools to continuous flow challenges. The candidate may also have prior experience in kinetic modelling of novel reactions.  ideal candidate would 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 will:

  • Have a meticulous, efficient approach to hands on experimental research, with a gift for technical troubleshooting
  • Be effective at communicating technical analysis to non-subject matter experts.
  • Be creative; having the ability to work on their own initiative, being able to interpret abstract concepts and demonstrate analytical capabilities to deliver solutions.
  • Be highly motivated to apply advanced technology to novel design challenges, and be excited by the challenge of finding working solutions in a tight time frame.
  • Be interested in learning about de-risking and commercialisation of technology, and identification, harvesting, and protection of IP.
  • Be highly interested in forming and growing a start-up enterprise.
  • As founding team-member they will be extremely pro-active and take responsibility for meeting and exceeding project goals

Purpose of the Job:

IMR 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 of novel, 3D printed hardware.
  • Specify and procure equipment on tight budgets and timelines
  • Planning, execution, and recording simulation and 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

In addition to a post-graduate degree within a relevant discipline, the successful candidate will display the following skills and experience:

Skills:

  • Strong background in the physics of relevant fluid dynamics processes (mixing, separation, state change, multiphase flow) as applied to continuous flow processes.
  • Expertise in framing this physical understanding in relevant computational models – able to identify and select appropriate approaches for appropriate processes
  • Able to apply this detailed knowledge of CFD to engineering challenges. 
  • Good knowledge of OpenFOAM, and practical experience in application of this software.
  • Familiarity with programming languages, C++ and Python preferred.
  • Experience in practical application of programmable circuit boards.

Experience:

  • 3 years’ experience within an applied-research environment (academic, industrial, or other research organisation).
  • Proven track record in project delivery within small teams. Experience in planning resourcing and budgets is preferred.
  • Familiarity with engineering operations in continuous flow processes.
  • Familiarity with lab-based flow chemistry operations and hardware
  • Experience in DOE and associated statistical methodology as the basis for process characterisation.
  • Previous experience will have required candidate to collect, analyse, and report technical data, and interpret and present conclusions for stakeholders.

Desirable:

  • Experience in client relationship management
  • Experience in early phase design development
  • Previous experience in kinetic modelling of reactions
  • Practical experience of industrial application of flow processes.
  • PhD in relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Demonstrable expertise in project management.
  • Previous experience in IP generation preferred.
  • EU work permit.

Salary & Benefits

This position will command a package consisting of basic salary (depending on experience), employer pension contribution and 5 weeks holidays.

Electronic applications only via LinkedIn or to imrcareers@clark.ie Applicants must include an up-to-date CV with their application.

Closing date for applications is 12 noon on on Friday 23rd April 2021

 


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