Research Fellow in Synthetic Organic Chemistry - School of Chemistry - 98280 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK 

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927 with potential progression once in post to £43,434.  PLEASE NOTE - due to external funding limitations the maximum starting salary that can be offered is £34,304

Grade 7 

Full time

Fixed Term Contract to 31 December 2024

Closing Date 15 February 2022

Background and Project Aims

Application are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Organic Synthesis to explore the research and development of new catalysis-based methods for complex molecule synthesis. The appointed researcher will be based in the School of Chemistry and will work under the guidance of Dr Paul Davies alongside a team of postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers. 

We have recently developed a new strategy to access C(sp3)-rich structures in a modular and efficient fashion. The successful applicant will build upon these preliminary results and our expertise in nitrenoid chemistry and pi-acid catalysis to develop state-of-the-art methodology for the preparation of molecules with desirable profiles for early stage drug discovery. The project combines studies in catalysis methods alongside target applications to explore novel chemical space of interest to the drug discovery sector. 
The project builds upon our work in the field of nitrenoid chemistry, some papers from our group in that area include: Chem. Rec. 2021, 21, 3964, ACS Catal. 2021, 6357; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 13310.

The successful candidate will undertake the development and application of new synthetic methodology and syntheses as directed by Dr Paul Davies. In addition to communication of their results in meetings and conferences they will prepare drafts and high quality supporting information for publications arising from the research. The appointee will give oral presentations on their work, write internal reports and produce draft publications, and relevant communication skills are required. They will be expected to manage their own academic research and administrative activities, including small scale project management, co-ordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines and timely interaction with collaborators, and to contribute more widely to research group activities.

Qualifications and Experience: Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. The research requires expertise and problem-solving ability in organic synthesis, and skill in analytical methods. Experience in modern synthetic techniques is essential. The skills and motivation of the candidate are more important than a narrow definition of research area and we will provide the necessary training in areas not covered by the successful candidate's previous experience. Your application should include a cover letter highlighting how your skills and motivation make you suitable for this post

This position is available to start immediately and will be offered on a fixed term contract for a period to 31 December 2024. Job share arrangements may be considered. 

Find out more about the Davies Group here .

Summary of Role

•    Work within specified research grants and projects as determined by the project lead
•    Operate within area of specialism
•    Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
•    Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, reports and funding bids
•    Contribute to the effective operation and development of the research group
•    Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties/Responsibilities

•    To study and develop efficient new state-of-the-art catalysis-based methodology;
•    To develop effective methods for the selective and divergent transformation of multifunctional products of catalysis into scaffolds for chemical library synthesis, and to establish their viability for early stage drug discovery; 
•    To design, perform and critically interpret experiments that achieve the project goals in a way that is consistent with the requirements for publication of high quality research;
•    To apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding, and contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods;
•    To collect, analyse, interpret and store research data as required for publication and open-data requirements in line with the funders expectations;
•    To work closely with other members of the project team to effectively transfer knowledge including the supervision of more junior researchers in the group;
•    To prepare draft academic publications, or parts thereof, and contribute to other writing that can include bids for research funding, review articles and public engagement literature;
•    To present research outputs effectively in internal reports, presentations (group meetings internal seminars, conferences), posters and other media;
•    To proactively engage with the project team and provide regular updates and more detailed reports as required by the PI. 
•    Prepare high quality data sections and supporting information for publication 
•    Interact with collaborators, enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the project, often under supervision of a project leader
•    Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
•    To manage their time effectively in order to achieve the project goals and specific pieces of work to pre-agreed deadlines;
•    To identify and address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, including seeking input and support from others in a timely fashion as needed;
•    To work in accordance with relevant safety policies and operating procedures and to undertake training as required.
•    Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
•    Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Person Specification

•    First degree in Chemistry and hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in the general field of Synthetic Organic Chemistry (this might include projects such as homogeneous catalysis, methodology development, natural product or other complex-target synthesis, and the study of organic reaction mechanisms, but is not limited to that).
•    Technical expertise and problem solving ability in multi-step organic synthesis, purification (e.g. chromatography), and characterisation (including 1D/2D NMR)
•    Fluency in models, techniques or methods relevant to their research experience and an ability to contribute to developing new ones in the fields relevant to this project.
•    Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a wider team.
•    Excellent scientific writing skills with experience in writing research paper drafts
•    Self-motivated, pro-active and flexible, able to adapt to changing circumstance within the research project.
•    A team player able to establish good working relationships and who will contribute proactively to group operations and enhancement activities
•    Ability to act independently when required 
•    Relevant publication record for career stage (skills and motivation are the primary criteria for appointment over volume / journal name).
•    Excellent presentation skills
•    Actively supportive of other team members, including junior researchers.

Informal enquiries about the position can be sent to Dr Paul Davies ([email protected]).

Formal applications must be submitted through the advertised channel and include a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.