Research Associate for EPSRC-NSF lead agency opportunity (Task B)

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship in their Chemistry Department. The role involves synthesising and analysing metal-organic framework materials within a multidisciplinary framework. Key qualifications include a PhD in relevant fields such as organic chemistry, and experience in metal-organic frameworks is a plus. The position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a leading pension scheme and generous leave entitlement, along with the opportunity for flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Additional paid closure over Christmas

Local and national discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a PhD or be about to submit one.
• Record of research achievement and independent thinking.
• Experience in developing metal-organic framework materials is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Work on the synthesis and analysis of porous metal-organic framework materials.
• Contribute to projects focused on proton conductivity and catalysis.
• Collaborate with colleagues in modelling and state-of-the-art characterisation.

Skills

Synthetic coordination

Supramolecular self‑assembly

Catalysis

Organic chemistry

Education

PhD or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

Metal-organic framework materials development

Job description

Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL £37,694 to £41,064 per annum, depending on relevant experience. Contract. NEW Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellowship funded jointly by EPSRC/NSF to work in the Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester under the supervision of Professor Martin Schröder.

The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration with Professors Lev Sarkisov (Manchester, Lead PI), Alexander Neimark (Rutgers), Mathias Steiner (IBM), Yongqiang Cheng (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) combining synthesis, characterisation and modelling/theory to advance the chemistry of metal‑organic framework materials. It will involve the synthesis, studies and analysis of porous metal‑organic framework materials with the aim of developing new functional materials for proton conductivity and catalysis of water splitting. The project will also study the properties and reactivity of water within confined space, working closely with colleagues in modelling, including using National Facilities for state‑of‑the‑art characterisation and analysis of materials.

Candidates must have a PhD (or equivalent) or be about to submit a PhD in synthetic coordination, supramolecular self‑assembly, catalysis, or organic chemistry, and have a record of research achievement, publication and independent thinking. Experience in the development of metal‑organic framework materials would be highly beneficial.

The post will be offered on a fixed‑term 18‑month contract (with the possibility to extend after 18 months) with a probationary period of 6 months.

• Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working; you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.