Research Fellow in Physical Chemistry

View All Vacancies

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background or interest in experimental physical chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, or plant-nematode interactions? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities?

We are looking for an exceptional researcher to work on a recently funded BBSRC Transformative Research Development Fund (TRDF) project titled “Non-Destructive Detection of Below-Ground Plant Pathogens: VOC Profiling by Frequency Comb Spectroscopy.”

This high risk – high reward interdisciplinary project will apply a newly built frequency comb spectrometer to measuring the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission profile from plants. The chemical composition of plant-emitted VOCs and their abundance can carry information about a plant’s physiological status and the stresses to which it has been subjected. The main aim of the project is to use a combination of frequency comb spectroscopy and proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to characterize (i.e. quantify and identify) the VOC emission profiles of different healthy and infected plants. An additional aim of the project is to determine the viability of frequency comb spectroscopy as a potential solution for ultimately identifying plant pathogens in a non-invasive manner. 

You will be an integral part of the team during this exciting project. You will collect plant VOC emission samples, perform PTR-MS and frequency comb laser spectroscopy experiments, and perform statistical analysis on the resulting data. You will also have the opportunity to help modify and characterize the frequency comb spectrometer, as well as optimize protocols for collecting samples and interpreting data 

You will also have opportunities for training in science and people management, science communication, and grant application writing, with the aim to develop a personal, independent career track.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Julia Lehman , Associate Professor

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 4260

Email: [email protected]  

P. E. Urwin , Professor

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2909

Email: [email protected]  

Please note: If you are not a British or Irish citizen, from 1 January 2021 you will require permission to work in the UK. This will normally be in the form of a visa but, if you are an EEA/Swiss citizen and resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, this may be your passport or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Chemistry
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 7
Salary:  £34,304 to £40,927 p.a.
Due to funding restrictions, an appointment will not be made higher than £37,467 p.a.
Working Time:  37.5 hours per week
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (1 year (grant funding))
Release Date:  Monday 25 October 2021
Closing Date:  Friday 12 November 2021
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  EPSCH1052
Downloads:  Candidate Brief