Research Associate in Organic Synthesis Methods

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate in organic synthesis. This role involves developing new methods for synthesising drug-like molecules, supervising team members, and contributing to publications. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in organic synthesis and relevant research experience. The position is fixed-term until February 2026 with a competitive salary range of £38,249 - £44,128 per annum.

Qualifications

• Ability to execute organic syntheses successfully with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyse and optimise experimental results.
• Ability to carry out and interpret spectroscopic techniques.
• Familiarity with online databases for planning experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop new synthetic methodologies based on organobismuth chemistry.
• Assist in designing and planning research projects.
• Supervise and train less experienced team members.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation for publication.
• Organise organic synthesis problem sessions.

Skills

Experimental work planning

Organic chemistry analysis

Record keeping

Spectroscopy interpretation

Database searching

Communication skills

Published work

Education

PhD in Organic Synthesis

First degree in Chemistry

Job description

The role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position in organic synthesis is available to join the group of Professor Liam Ball, who is relocating from Nottingham to the University of Bristol during Summer 2025.

The role is supported by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (MR/V022067/1), and aims to develop new, efficient methods for the synthesis of drug-like molecules.

What will you be doing?

You will develop new synthetic methodology, primarily based on organobismuth chemistry and transition metal catalysis. This will involve reaction optimisation, method exemplification, and target identification. You will assist the principal investigator in designing, planning, and orchestrating research projects within the team, and will help to supervise, train and lead less experienced team members. The successful candidate will contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication, smooth running of the laboratory, and the organisation of organic synthesis problem sessions for the team.

You should apply if

The position would suit a talented and motivated early career researcher with a PhD in organic synthesis, and a first degree in chemistry. The following skills and experience are advantageous for the role:

• ability to plan and execute experimental work involved in organic syntheses successfully and safely with minimal supervision.
• ability to analyse and optimise experimental results using fundamental principles of organic and organometallic chemistry.
• ability to take accurate and reliable records of work carried out.
• ability to carry out, interpret and properly record the results of modern spectroscopic techniques, including NMR.
• Familiarity with online database searching (e.g. Reaxys and SciFinder) for use in the selection and planning of experimental work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to educate, interact effectively with and enthuse postgraduate students and post-doctoral colleagues.
• Academic Record: A body of published work in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the advertised post.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term until 28/02/2026

Work pattern: Full time/35 hours per week

Grade: I/Pathway 2

Salary: £38,249 - £44,128 per annum

School/Unit: School of Chemistry

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 06/08/2025

For informal queries, please contact Professor Liam Ball [e-mail]

Our strategy and mission

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.