Joe Ostrowski Email & Phone Number

Loughborough, England, United Kingdom

Secondment in IT Support

Loughborough, England, United Kingdom

My job as a research chemist was to work as part of a team to provide scientific expertise and skills to support the projects of a number of different clients, each with varying demands and expectations. I was involved in the design, implementation and improvement of complex, multistep organic syntheses to obtain targets of interest, and in the analysis of these target molecules using UPLC-MS and NMR, and growing sufficiently high-quality crystals to allow for XRD analysis.I took part in regular meetings with clients to discuss how the projects were progressing and to evaluate new targets and synthetic routes, within which I presented my work and discussed future requirements. I also organised shipments of the final compounds that the team made to other companies for testing or further purification. I also had additional responsibilities outside of the standard lab work, as a Lab Manager, First Aider, Fire Warden and Controlled and Hazardous Substances Monitor, and so helped to keep the work of all the chemists in the laboratory safe and efficient.

Coventry, England, United Kingdom

At ALS, I gained significant experience with the preparation of analytical test samples, the analysis of samples on GCMS and LCMS instruments, and the interpretation and reporting of results within ISO 17025 accreditation quality guidelines. I also gained experience in the maintenance of the analytical instruments, in the development of new methods for expanding the range of services offered as well as improving old methods to increase productivity, and in investigation of issues that arise to ensure accurate and valid results are reported.

Manchester, United Kingdom

My research focus was to investigate the nature of uranium and thorium chemistry through the preparation of heterobimetallic complexes that feature a metal-metal bond, and I successfully produced a number of completely novel complexes and bonds, which were all characterised extensively, especially by NMR, IR and XRD. During the practical aspect of the PhD, I gained extensive experience in the design, development and optimisation of the synthesis of actinide and transition metal complexes, in particular using Schlenk manifold manipulations and glove boxes for the safe handling of pyrophoric or highly toxic materials. Out of the lab, I have an excellent grasp of the theory of inorganic, organometallic, actinide, and transition metal chemistry, and I am also very comfortable with preparing and conforming to chemical/radiological risk assessments and COSHH requirements to ensure safe working practice.My work led to four peer-reviewed research papers, two of which I am main author (Inorganics, 2021, 9, 30; Dalton Trans., 2020, 49, 9330–9335) and co-author of a further two (Polyhedron, 2017, 125, 2–8; Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 13515–13518), and was recognized with the poster prize at an international conference, 'Terrae Rarae 2017' in Tubingen, Germany.

Manchester, United Kingdom

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant during my PhD, I was responsible for a new group of undergraduate student each week, familiarising them with the lab and equipment, explaining and answering questions about the work that they had to do, and most of all ensuring that all work was carried out in a safe manner.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Synthesis Of Actinide And Transition Metal Complexes

Master Of Science - Ms, Chemistry, Upper Second Class, 2:1