Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral Research Associate in synthetic chemistry at Imperial College London. You will join the research group of Dr James A Bull. The project is funded by the Royal Society.

The project will develop new catalytic methods for C-H functionalisation, particularly using catalytic transient directing groups, and building on our prior works in this area (Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 4840; Chem. Eur. J., 2018, 24, 17838; Chem. Commun. 2019, 55, 9172; Org. Lett. 2020, 22, 1807). The use of transient directing groups with transition metal catalysis can convert inert sp3 carbon-hydrogen bonds to more valuable motifs without additional steps being necessary for directing group installation and removal (for reviews see: Org. Biomol. Chem. 2020, 18, 7291; Org. Biomol. Chem. 2018, 16, 4582). You will take a leading role in the development of new methods related to the functionalisation of medicinally relevant substrates. You will also work collaboratively with junior group members

For further details of the research group, see: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/j.bull

You will establish new conditions for C-H functionalisation on medicinally relevant substrates using transient directing groups. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day progress of the project, including the design and implementation of appropriate experiments and techniques utilising effective problem-solving skills where necessary. You will work with Dr Bull and members of the research team, as well as assist in the supervision of junior co-workers in the Bull group.

You must hold  a PhD (or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience) in Synthetic Chemistry

Essential criteria include:

• Strong track record in synthetic chemistry or catalysis
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including the synthesis of new organic compounds, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
• Knowledge of modern methods and techniques in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis
• Ability to design new experiments and include appropriate controls
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision

This is a full-time, fixed term position until 30 November 2022. You will be based at the new MSRH building on the White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £36,694 - £39,888 per annum.

Candidates should complete the online application.

For additional information please contact Dr James A Bull [email protected]

The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA),which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/

The College believes that the use of animals in research is vital to improve human and animal health and welfare. Animals may only be used in research programmes where their use is shown to be necessary for developing new treatments and making medical advances. Imperial is committed to ensuring that, in cases where this research is deemed essential, all animals in the College’s care are treated with full respect, and that all staff involved with this work show due consideration at every level.http://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-integrity/animal-research /