Research Associate in Organic Chemistry

The role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the group of Prof Jonathan Clayden for a chemist with research experience in organic synthesis and/or supramolecular chemistry.

What will you be doing?

Funded by the recent award of a European Research Council Advanced Grant, the successful applicant will undertake research in the application of conformationally controlled molecules (foldamers, atropisomers etc.) in new reactions and functions.  The overall aim of the project will be to construct functional molecules capable of modulating chemical reactivity/catalysis and function in response to encoded chemical signals, mimicking features of biological systems such as information processing and out-of-equilibrium behaviour. Examples of recent results from related work can be found in J. Am Chem. Soc.2022, 144, 2841-2846; Chem2021, 7, 2460-2472; Nature 2018, 562, 105-109; Nature Chemistry2017, 9, 420-425; Science2016, 352, 575-580.

You should apply if

The successful candidate will have, or be working towards, a PhD in organic chemistry. They will have expertise in molecular synthesis and an interest in molecular interactions. They will have carried out multi-step target-directed organic syntheses and characterised complex molecules by NMR spectroscopy. Alongside this experience, they will have a fascination with stereochemistry, molecular shape, and molecular conformation. They will have an enthusiasm to extend the boundaries of their knowledge and to explore interactions with unfamiliar disciplines. They will have excellent communication and organisational skills, and will be capable of working under their own initiative, and will be enthusiastic to interact and share their expertise with other members of the research group.

Additional information

For informal queries, contact details: Jonathan Clayden  – [email protected]  

We seek to attract, develop, and retain individuals from the widest possible talent pool and the broadest possible range of backgrounds.  We are committed to building an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We particularly welcome applications from Black African, Black Caribbean and other minority ethnic groups, as they are currently under-represented across our university.