Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry to contribute to innovative research on the development of biostimulants for enhancing crop yields. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Biology, with strong skills in synthetic chemistry and a solid publication record. This is a full-time role on a 12-month contract, offering a chance to work in a collaborative environment. A competitive salary and benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities, are also provided.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at conferences.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to multiple lines of work based on project needs.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Analytical science

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Biology

Good first degree in Chemistry or allied subject

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us at [e-mail].

Job Description – Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry (25001732)

Department of Chemistry, Fixed Term – Full Time, 12‑month contract, Working Arrangements: To Be Confirmed.

Closing Date

10‑Dec‑2025, 11:59:00 PM.

The Role

Applications are invited for an ambitious and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chemistry with a particular emphasis on synthetic chemistry and chemical biology. The research project is a collaboration between Professors Patrick Steel (Chemistry) and Marc Knight (Biosciences) at Durham, and colleagues at MLU, Halle (Germany) and Casale Spa (Switzerland) exploring the development of new biostimulants for enhancing crop yields and methods for their formulation and delivery. By developing our technology, the research aims to reduce dependency on traditional agrochemicals and improve crop yields.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to multiple lines of work as dictated by the project needs, including the design, synthesis and initial efficacy testing of new analogues of the active ingredient, studies to determine the molecular basis of activity, environmental fate and methods for the efficient delivery of the AI to the crop plant in both field and greenhouse environments. The successful applicant may not have all these skills but is expected to have a willingness to learn. They will be supported in developing new skills across plant biology, formulation science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Able to understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that lead to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• Collect, record and store all data in searchable formats as required to meet the project goals.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non‑academic audiences.
• Publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer‑reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant holder.
• Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant holder.
• Work with the Principal Investigator or Grant holder and other colleagues in the research group to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• Plan and manage own research activity and resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• Deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• Be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

Engage in continuing professional development by participating in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc., and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 12 months, in the first instance, with funding available from 01/12/25.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. While the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project through the development of their own research ideas, adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st December 2025.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered – ample parking, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, and the Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles.

We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally, with a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and career routes. All staff have dedicated annual time for personal development.

We provide wide‑ranging health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.

Our on‑site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.

Our family‑friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector.

We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities in the local community.

You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal, including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

Various salary sacrifice schemes are available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team to help with house‑hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest‑free loan scheme for dependent visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic‑related enquiries: email [e-mail], phone [phone] (UK) or [phone] (outside UK). Hours: 09:00‑17:00 Monday‑Friday, UK time. Response within one working day.

Technical difficulties when submitting your application: send email with name and brief description of the problem to [e-mail]. Alternatively, call 0191 334 6801.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. The panel may consider desirable criteria but we urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

We prefer to receive online applications. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically.

What to Submit

• A CV and cover letter detailing your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
• The names and contact details of three referees who are willing to support your application.

Next Steps

Short‑listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in‑person, and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Project. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to the project team followed by an interview. Interviews will take place as soon as possible after the initial closing date, with applications reviewed until the post is filled.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A good first degree in Chemistry or an allied subject.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Organic Chemistry / Chemical Biology or a related subject.

Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals.
• Ability to present research papers at conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of supervising student projects and demonstrating practical research skills, e.g., acting as a demonstrator.
• Experience of plant chemical biology techniques.
• Ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary project.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and participate in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Outstanding synthetic chemistry and analytical science skills.
• Expertise in formulation / polymer science.

6. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Outstanding synthetic chemistry and analytical science skills.

16. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

17. Expertise in formulation / polymer science.