Research Fellow

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate must possess at minimum, a PhD in Chemistry from a recognized university.

Candidates should also possess:

• A good record of research and publications in reputable, peer reviewed journals
• Experience writing technical reports, service reports, or applied research outputs
• Demonstrated experience in operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of analytical instruments (GC, GCMS, AA, ICP-MS, HPLC)
• Experience in outreach, public engagement or community-based research involvement
• Expert-level technical skill in analytical instrumentation and related methods
• Strong command of technical writing, data reporting, and quality assurance/QA-QC practices

Candidates with the following would have an advantage:

• Experience developing laboratory kits, formulations, or technical products
• Experience promoting or marketing laboratory/analytical services
• Proficiency in grant writing and leadership through the application process
• Evidence of prior training and mentoring of technical staff, graduate students, and academic staff in analytical techniques
• Proficiency to lead research in analytical/environmental chemistry, including participatory action research

The following would be considered assets:

• Qualifications in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry
• Professional training in Project Management
• Experience in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research, preferably including Analytical/Environmental Chemistry and Applied Research
• Knowledge and technical skills in at least one (1) of the following areas: 
  • Research Planning
  • Outreach
  • Consultancy
  • Project Management 
• Proficiency in working in teams on multidisciplinary research projects
• Competence in liaising with external and international stakeholders or sponsors
• Competence in designing, marketing, and managing revenue-generating services in chemistry laboratories 

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing the GC, GCMS, AA and ICPMS instruments and training students and staff in their use
• Leading the Department’s revenue generating initiatives in research, consulting and analytical services
• Interfacing with clients requiring services, identifying and assembling the requisite resources and coordinating delivery of these services
• Conducting and actively supporting research
• Providing analytical data support to academic staff in research in the Department of Chemistry
• Collaborating with the department and public and private agencies to develop projects and the writing of grant proposals
• Leading the effort through contract research to provide solutions to problems of clients in the private and public sectors both locally and regionally 

Personal Attributes:

The Campus places high priority on individuals of integrity who can work well in a team and student friendly environment. Candidates should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills. A good command of both oral and written English is essential. 

Candidates should also:

• Display expert level technical skills in analytical instrumentations
• Possess ability to communicate effectively in a supervisory and leadership role
• Have a strong command of technical writing and reporting industrious, and ability to produce high quality results
• Possess ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal, external and international stakeholders or sponsors
• Have the capacity for strategic thinking, innovation, and service expansion
• Be committed to supporting and initiating departmental outreach programmes and securing funding for community-based or research-based initiatives
• Be computer literate
• Be committed to meeting deadlines    
• Possess strong teamwork skills and contribute to a collaborative and supportive working environment

The University would like to thank all applicants for their interest. Please note, however, that only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged or contacted.