Research Associate In Organic Synthesis

University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

University of Manchester is seeking a Research Associate in Organic Synthesis to work on carbohydrate skeletal editing within the Miller research group. The 12‑month post (from 1 January 2027) may be extended for up to two more years.

Prior carbohydrate chemistry experience is not essential, but a strong background in synthesis is expected. You will design and execute advanced organic synthesis experiments, optimise reactions, characterise products, and contribute to collaborative research

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry with a focus on synthesis and/or method development.
• Experience in developing innovative synthetic methods or protocols and troubleshooting reactions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and carry out high-quality research in organic synthesis and methodology development for skeletal editing of sugar scaffolds.
• Develop and optimise transformations, investigate scope and limitations, and fully characterise products.
• Collaborate with a diverse research team and contribute to project management and reporting.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Organic Synthesis, working on carbohydrate skeletal editing within the Miller research group at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. The post is tenable for 12 months from 1 January 2027, with the possibility of extension for a further two years. Prior experience in carbohydrate chemistry is not essential.

You will be responsible for:

• Design, plan and carry out high-quality research in organic synthesis and methodology development, establishing new transformations for the skeletal editing of sugar scaffolds.
• Develop and optimise synthetic transformations, investigate reaction scope and limitations, and isolate and fully characterise reaction products using appropriate analytical and spectroscopic techniques.
• Work as part of our diverse research team and collaborate accordingly.
• Be responsible for project management, including report writing.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• You must hold a PhD in organic chemistry with a research focus on organic synthesis and/or synthetic methodology development.
• Evidence of developing innovative synthetic methods or experimental protocols, including the ability to devise, optimise and troubleshoot organic reactions.
• An ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, and a flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral).

Desirable Criteria:

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Prof. Gavin Miller

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.

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