Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyclocarbon Chemistry

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyclocarbon Chemistry

University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

GBP 39,424 - 47,779 per year

The role

This post is part of a new project on π-conjugated porphyrin-based molecular wires, nanorings and nanobelts. We seek to employ a fixed-term (36 month), full-time research associate to contribute to this project. The primary activity of this Research Associate will be organic synthesis, spectroscopy and physical organic chemistry. The ERC grant supporting this project will start on 1st January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines;
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols;
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate;
• Contribute ideas for new research projects;
• Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters;
• Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment;
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques;
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone;
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups;
• PDRAs may be required to teach, this may include lecturing, small-group teaching, and tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students.

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• Hold a PhD in Chemistry (or close to completion);
• Have expertise in multi-step organic synthesis and supramolecular chemistry, particularly the synthesis, purification and characterisation of large redox-active or photo-active molecular π-systems, and/or the synthesis of supramolecular cages and encapsulated systems;
• Have expertise in quantitative physical organic chemistry or spectroscopy (e.g. electrochemistry, photochemistry or NMR spectroscopy), including the collection and analysis of numerical data;
• Be able to demonstrate competence and success in the thesis research area (and postdoctoral work if appropriate), e.g. as judged by publications (or papers in press) in high quality peer reviewed journals. Evidence will be sought of a deep understanding of the applicant's previous fields of research and evidence of independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects, as indicators that such attributes can be brought to bear on the present project;
• Have an excellent general understanding of chemistry;
• Communicate well in English, in writing, oral and visual presentations, and be able to write reports for publication in scientific journals;
• Be able to keep accurate detailed records of experimental results;
• Show an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment, to assist with the supervision and education of junior co-workers, and to work productively with other members of a team;
• Be willing to play a role in keeping the laboratory running by assuming a share of group responsibilities, and by providing leadership in maintaining the laboratory;
• Be highly motivated and have a strong commitment to research.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience in the synthesis of metal coordination cage systems;
• Experience in the field of polyyne chemistry;
• Experience in X-ray crystallography;
• Experience of analytical and/or preparative HPLC of GPC.