Research Associate in Chemistry

Role Description

Applications are invited for a research associate to work in the groups of Professor Jason Lynam, and Dr John Slattery. The work is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and involves the use of organometallic chemistry for the preparation of (poly)fluorinated materials.

Role 

The post-holder will be based in York and their work will focus on the development, synthesis and characterisation of new organometallic complexes. The reactivity of these species will be explored, in order to gain a full understanding of their behaviour, alongside the ability to use them as building blocks to prepare next-generation functional materials. The ultimate aim of the project is to leverage the power of novel organometallic chemistry to template the synthesis of (poly)fluorinated materials that are currently difficult or impossible to make. This is an important and timely project, given the key role that new functional materials will play in tackling global issues such as energy efficiency, electrification of transport and the overall shift to Net Zero emissions.

The project will involve synthetic techniques, including air-sensitive chemistry; characterisation methods including NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and gel-permeation chromatography. In addition, there will be the opportunity to learn about the use of computational chemistry in the area of the project and to be trained to use computational tools to support experimental studies. The research associate will provide guidance to other staff and students as required and may assist with undergraduate teaching. The successful candidate will join a welcoming, diverse and supportive team in the Lynam and Slattery groups and will gain experience through collaboration within York and externally with other groups from around the world. We value and support career-development opportunities throughout the project. 

Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is renowned internationally for its research. This research reputation stands alongside the Department’s distinctive and highly praised approach to teaching, and also to its sector-leading family friendly working policies. The department is one of the largest and most successful departments at York. As a department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel.  We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed 

• PhD in Chemistry or related discipline. 

• Expert knowledge of: 

• Synthesis of new transition metal complexes and ligands.

• Application and evaluation of the reactivity complexes.

• Mechanistic aspects of transition metal chemistry.

• Ability to produce high quality publications, using high level analytical skills. 

• Ability to disseminate your work effectively through oral presentations at conferences or in other appropriate events. 

• Ability to be an effective team member and to forge meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Committed to personal development and keeping your knowledge and skills up to date. 

Interview date: To be confirmed

Informal enquiries are encouraged and very welcome: please contact Professor Jason Lynam, Jason.lynam@york.ac.uk, 01904 322534.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com