Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Manchester is seeking a talented Research Associate to join a dynamic team in the Department of Chemistry. This role focuses on the development of photochemical methods for molecular editing, requiring a PhD in organic chemistry and strong skills in organic synthesis. The position offers opportunities for professional growth while working with advanced instrumentation in a welcoming environment that values diversity.

Benefits

Market leading Pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave

Paid closure over Christmas

Local and national retail discounts

Qualifications

• Strong background in organic synthesis and high-quality research.
• Experience in photochemistry and radical chemistry desirable but not essential.
• Ability to work in a diverse research environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out synthetic chemistry research focusing on photochemical methods.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members.
• Design and execute experiments using visible light.
• Contribute to scholarly outputs and participate in project meetings.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Photochemistry

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

PhD in organic chemistry or related field

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a passionate and creative scientist to join the group of Dr Aaron Trowbridge as a Research Associate at the University of Manchester (Department of Chemistry). The successful candidate will work as part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team seeking to design new synthetic transformations using visible light. The post is available from 1st December 2025, or soon thereafter, for 1 year in the first instance, with the potential for renewal for a further year. The post is part of an EPSRC-funded research programme (PhotoOxyEdit), looking to develop photochemical methods for late-stage atomic oxygen insertion and single-atom editing of function-oriented molecules. These will expand the current chemical space towards previously inaccessible molecular architectures, and streamline the synthesis of function-oriented molecules. Specifically, we are looking for a synthetic chemist who is interested in new challenges and developing their skills in the field of molecular editing. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation and collaborate with experts within a world-renowned department.

Responsibilities and requirements:

Responsibilities

• Carry out synthetic chemistry research focusing on photochemical methods and molecular editing within an EPSRC-funded project.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• Design and execute experiments to develop new transformations using visible light and late-stage atomic oxygen insertion.
• Contribute to scholarly outputs and participate in project meetings.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry, or related field, with a strong background in organic synthesis and a track record of high-quality research.
• Previous experience in photochemistry and radical chemistry is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a diverse research environment.

Our research group is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive space and values diversity, equality, and inclusion; applications from candidates who contribute to these goals are particularly welcome.

What you will get in return

• 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

The School of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School 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 to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan.

We positively welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented at this grade. An appointment will be made on merit.

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

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

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Enquiries

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Aaron Trowbridge

Email:[e-mail]