Senior Research Associate in Photochemical Synthetic Methodology

Lancaster University; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate in Photochemical Synthetic Methodology. You will play a vital role in a UKRI-funded project aimed at developing sustainable methods for molecular transformations. Candidates should possess a strong publication record, experience in photochemical techniques, and a commitment to a collaborative research environment. Benefits include generous annual leave, pension scheme access, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday leave

Access to employee pension scheme

Career development support

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in reaction design and optimisation.
• Experience in supervising junior researchers.
• Evidence of independent problem-solving and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyse photochemical and catalytic reactions.
• Optimise reaction conditions and perform structural characterisation.
• Design and run mechanistic experiments.

Skills

Strong publication record in synthetic organic chemistry

Competent project management

Air-/moisture-sensitive techniques

Catalytic or photochemical method development

Advanced spectroscopic/analytical characterisation

Effective communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

The Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a full-time Senior Research Associate in Photochemical Synthetic Methodology to join the research group of Dr Jamie Docherty (DochertyLab.co.uk). This role is indefinite, however subject to funding, which is currently only available to a maximum date of 30.09.2028.

The project you will be working on is a new UKRI-funded project that aims to develop sustainable, light-driven catalytic methods for upgrading simple molecular feedstocks into stereochemically enriched structures with high value for healthcare and materials applications. You will join a small, collaborative team and take a leading role in reaction design, optimisation, and mechanistic investigation.

The main duties of the role involve:

• Planning, executing and analysing cutting-edge photochemical and catalytic reactions.
• Optimising reaction conditions, scaling promising transformations and performing full structural characterisation (NMR, MS, chiral/achiral chromatography, X-ray as needed).
• Designing and running mechanistic experiments to guide method development.
• Preparing manuscripts, presenting at conferences and contributing to project reporting.
• Training and supervising junior researchers and maintaining specialist photochemical equipment.

You will:

• Be able to demonstrate a strong publication record in synthetic organic chemistry, with clear evidence of independent problem-solving and innovation.
• Be a highly motivated, organised scientist who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Have experience of air-/moisture-sensitive techniques, catalytic or photochemical method development, and advanced spectroscopic/analytical characterisation.
• Be able to demonstrate competent project management and communication skills, including meticulous record-keeping, timely delivery of results and effective supervision of students.

The Benefits of the Role

• Generous holiday leave - 25 days (pro-rata) annual leave plus University closure days and bank holidays.
• Access to employee pension scheme, and annual flexible benefits scheme.
• We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Faculty, and supporting family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and research. Please see the university’s family friendly webpages to find out more - Family-friendly Lancaster - Lancaster University
• The university is committed to supporting the professional and career development for all staff, for instance Lancaster University’s is fully commitment to the principles of the corcordat to support the career development of researchers. This has resulted in the university receiving the HR Excellence in Research Award.

Further information about the Department is available at: Chemistry - Lancaster University

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Jamie Docherty ([e-mail])

Please upload a cover letter with your application.