Postdoctoral Research Associate In The Development of Novel Synthetic Boron-based Methodologies

University of Bristol; Clifton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Bristol is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the development of novel synthetic boron-based methodologies. The role focuses on design and synthesis, employing lithiation-borylation to build carbon frameworks and expand boron chemistry, under supervision by Aggarwal FRS and Crump.

The ideal candidate will have recent experience in synthetic organic chemistry, strong NMR skills, and the ability to work independently within a team, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Recent experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Ability to plan and execute experimental work in organic synthesis.
• Ability to interpret and record results using modern spectroscopic techniques, including NMR.
• Familiarity with online databases (Belstein/Chemical Abstracts).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to work in a team and supervise junior colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel boron-based methodologies.
• Work on multiple projects and manage experimental plans.
• Supervise PhD and final year project students as needed.
• Present results clearly and keep thorough experimental records.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

NMR spectroscopy

Team collaboration

Written and oral communication

Literature/database searching

Tools

Belstein database

Chemical Abstracts

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate In The Development of Novel Synthetic Boron-based Methodologies

Three postdoctoral research associate positions are available to work in the Aggarwal Lab ( http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/org/aggarwal/ ) to work on the development of novel synthetic boron-based methodologies.

The three positions are subject to fixed term funding between the following dates:

• Position 1 - 1st January 2027 to 31st December 2027
• Position 2 - 7th January 2027 to 6th January 2028
• Position 3 - 11th January 2027 to 10th June 2028

What will you be doing?

The PDRA will be required to work on multiple projects simultaneously, but their primary responsibility will be on the design and synthesis of complex molecules, and the development of new synthetic methodology using boron chemistry. We will use lithiation-borylation to grow carbon chains as well as larger building blocks to make C-C bonds. The researcher will employ their synthetic expertise to advance the project. The research program will require a deep understanding of the processes involved together with strong grasp of fundamentals of organic synthesis for a successful outcome.

The successful candidate will have excellent opportunities to develop supervisory, written, teaching and organisational skills and therefore this post provides ideal training for a career in industry or academia. Duties may also include helping with the training and supervision of PhD and final year project students. The successful candidate will be accountable to Professor Aggarwal FRS and to Professor Crump as Head of the Organic and Biological Chemistry Section of the School of Chemistry.

You should apply if

• Recent experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Be able to plan and execute experimental work involved in organic syntheses successfully and safely with minimal supervision.
• The ability to carry out, interpret and properly record the results of modern spectroscopic techniques, including NMR.
• Familiarity with online database searching e.g. Belstein and Chemical Abstracts for use in the selection and planning of experimental work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to become part of a team working on the research project and to demonstrate the ability to work at this level, in particular to work supportively in a laboratory environment with junior co-workers as well as other research assistants.
• The ability to present work in a clear and concise manner.
• The successful candidate will be asked to submit written reports of their experimental results as required for the information of the supervisor.
• A body of published work in peer-reviewed learned journals relevant to the advertised post.
• The ability to meet deadlines and excellent organisational skills.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term. If you are applying for a specific position please note this in your application. Applicants who do not specify may be considered for all posts.

• Position 1 - 1st January 2027 to 31st December 2027
• Position 2 - 7th January 2027 to 6th January 2028
• Position 3 - 11th January 2027 to 10th June 2028

Work pattern: 35 hours/week

Grade: I

School/Unit: School of Chemistry

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 3rd November

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