Research Associate in NMR Spectroscopy

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a postdoctoral research associate in high-resolution NMR techniques. The role involves experimental work, programming, and contributes to various research projects. Candidates should have a PhD in NMR spectroscopy, with a strong background in relevant methodologies. The position offers opportunities for collaboration and professional growth in a vibrant research team.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Must have or expect to obtain a PhD in NMR spectroscopy.
• Strong background in high-resolution NMR techniques.
• Experience with 1D/2D/3D NMR methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental work using multiple spectrometers.
• Employ computer programming for data processing.
• Contribute to weekly group meetings and discussions.

Skills

High-resolution NMR methods

Programming in C

Programming in Matlab

Data processing

Simulation tools

Education

PhD or equivalent in NMR spectroscopy

Tools

Bruker NEO

Varian/Agilent VNMRS

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a 9 month postdoctoral research associateship in the development and application of novel high resolution NMR techniques for the analysis of heterogeneous and dynamic mixtures. Funded by The Leverhulme Trust grant NMR Method for in Situ Monitoring of Heterogeneous Reactions (RPG-2023-105), the appointment will be made as part of a broad project including researchers in Fluid Dynamics (Department of Mathematics) and Organic Chemistry (Department of Chemistry). The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the research groups of Professor Jordi Bures and Dr Julien Landel, and the researcher will be based in the NMR methodology research group of Dr Ralph Adams, Professor Gareth Morris, and Professor Mathias Nilsson. This project offers an excellent opportunity for a suitable candidate to build a wide NMR skill set and to contribute intellectually to other projects within the research group.

The aim of the project is to develop new and improved 1D, 2D and 3D NMR methods to address some of the most challenging problems in the field of mixture analysis. In many areas (e.g. chemical process development, quality control, food science, metabolomics) the majority of the samples of interest are heterogeneous mixtures, and here NMR plays a pivotal role due to its non-destructive and quantitative nature. These often have very broad and crowded NMR spectra, due to the presence of many species with many different concentrations, and the spectra are therefore very difficult (sometimes impossible) to interpret. The project will focus on exploring novel strategies for obtaining clean and high-resolution NMR spectra, in order to allow the identification, quantification and structure determination of all components in mixtures.

Responsibilities

The project will involve experimental work using a range of spectrometers, with most work carried out on Bruker NEO 500, Bruker NEO 700, Bruker AV III 500, Varian/Agilent VNMRS 500, and Bruker AV III 400 spectrometers (with access to Bruker AVANCE III 400, 500, 600 and 800 instruments, and to cryogenic probes, as necessary); computer programming, mostly in C and Matlab, for data processing; and theoretical analysis, supported by simulation using Matlab and Mathematica.

You must have, or expect shortly to obtain, a PhD or equivalent in NMR spectroscopy. You will join a lively international group of about twenty researchers; excellent team-working and interpersonal skills are required. You will share responsibility for practical organisation of equipment and resources within the laboratory, will be expected to contribute intellectually to other projects within the research group and to weekly group meetings, and will be given opportunities to present work at national and international conferences.

Qualifications

Essential: PhD or equivalent in NMR spectroscopy (or expect shortly to obtain). Desirable: strong background in high-resolution NMR methods and experience with 1D/2D/3D NMR techniques, programming in C and Matlab, and experience with data processing and simulation tools.

Departmental context and opportunities

The Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointments will be made on merit.

For further information on this, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Application process and contact

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Ralph Adams

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.