Research Associate (Fixed - Term)

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to work on new synthetic methodology for the synthesis of valuable amine-containing building blocks using photoredox catalysis in continuous flow. 

You will be working as part of a team under the supervision of Dr Alex Cresswell to develop flow-based methods for the synthesis and functionalisation of simple, readily available amine starting materials. 

We will apply these new processes to the synthesis of pharmaceutically-relevant targets and will gain fundamental understanding of the systems through mechanistic analysis.

As a Research Associate, you will help lead the research of a motivated team of chemists. 

You will gain experience of the development and application of new catalytic methods. 

You will perform both individual and collaborative research projects and work with the team to develop new ideas. 

You will write up research results for publication in scientific journals and will have the opportunity to disseminate the work through presentations at internal and external seminars and conferences.

About you

• The ideal candidate would have a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, in the area of photoredox catalysis and automated flow chemistry. 
• They should demonstrate significant depth and breadth of specialist knowledge of organic synthesis to contribute to our research programme, and demonstrated potential to publish in high quality, peer reviewed journals. 
• They should be proficient in the use of flow chemistry apparatus (ideally Vapourtec systems) and will ideally have worked on the synthesis of amine-containing compounds. 
• They should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and a good team player, and willing to supervise/mentor more junior research group members. 

About us

• The Cresswell group currently comprises 11 PhD students and a PDRA. 
• We are housed in the main Chemistry building in two modern and well-equipped labs. 
• Our group has full access to the analytical and technical facilities offered at Bath, including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, XRD analysis, and the EPSRC-funded Dynamic Reaction Monitoring (DReaM) facility (flow NMR).

Additional information

• As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
• A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. 

What we can offer you:

• A very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• We are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• A number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.