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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project in synthetic organic chemistry and explore innovative bond-forming transformations.
- Company: Cardiff University, committed to equality, diversity, and an inclusive work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in next-generation synthetic chemistry with exciting research opportunities.
- Qualifications: PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or nearing completion required.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development in a dynamic research setting.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 46049 £ per year.
We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated experimental scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a synthetic organic chemistry project. The project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, aims to develop a new paradigm in organic synthesis based on frustrated radical pairs (FRPs), combining the concepts of frustrated Lewis pairs with controlled open‑shell reactivity to access novel bond‑forming transformations.
The project will integrate flow chemistry to precisely manage the generation of these reactive species and to allow scalability. These methodologies will be applied to the synthesis of pharmaceutical‑like compounds, with an emphasis on constructing complex, heteroatom‑rich scaffolds and enabling late‑stage functionalisation, ultimately establishing a versatile and sustainable platform for next‑generation synthetic chemistry.
The role will concentrate on catalyst synthesis, exploration of reaction conditions and scope, and advanced characterisation techniques, to understand the reaction mechanisms.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in a relevant area of synthetic organic chemistry.
Employment Details
- Position: full‑time (35 hours per week).
- Start date: 1 July 2026.
- Duration: 1 year.
- Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6).
- An appointment is not anticipated above £41,064 per annum (Grade 6.32).
- Closing Date: Friday, 15 May 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Additional Information: Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in Cardiff employer: Cardiff University
Contact Detail:
Cardiff University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or mentors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with the concepts of frustrated radical pairs and flow chemistry. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about contributing to innovative research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in catalyst synthesis and advanced characterisation techniques. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills, the more confident you’ll appear to interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for synthetic organic chemistry! In your application, share why this field excites you and how your background aligns with our project goals. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in catalyst synthesis and advanced characterisation techniques. We want to see how your skills fit into our vision for the project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain how your PhD work has prepared you for this role and why you're excited about the opportunity to work on FRPs. Keep it engaging and concise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and techniques in synthetic organic chemistry, especially those related to frustrated radical pairs and flow chemistry. Being able to discuss recent advancements or relevant literature will show your passion and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into your technical knowledge during the interview. Prepare to explain your previous research, particularly any catalyst synthesis or reaction condition explorations you've done. Practising how to articulate complex concepts clearly can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them. Highlighting your analytical thinking and adaptability will demonstrate that you're not just a great scientist but also a valuable team player.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working on a project with various methodologies, be sure to express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, especially in interdisciplinary settings, to show that you can thrive in a diverse environment.