Postdoctoral Research Associate Associate in Synthetic Chemistry in Midlothian

The Institute of Chemical Sciences is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Dr Dominic Willcox. This 3-year project, funded by the EPSRC New Investigator Award, will be carried out at Heriot-Watt University in close collaboration with our project partners at Enamine Ltd. You will develop new synthetic methodologies to access complex silicon-containing building blocks relevant to drug discovery guided by computational chemistry.

The successful candidate will devise and optimise synthetic pathways to novel silicon-containing building blocks with the opportunity to carry out high-throughput experimentation. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD or equivalent qualification in synthetic chemistry or a closely related field. They should have experience with synthesis and characterisation of organic compounds with experience of inert-atmosphere techniques (e.g. Schlenk line and glovebox). Experience of silicon chemistry, catalysis, computational chemistry, and cheminformatics are all highly desirable. Training in computational chemistry/cheminformatics can be provided if required.

You will be expected to take a leading role in the research group including laboratory management, participating in group meetings, and presenting findings at national and international conferences.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and synthetic chemistry for the synthesis of relevant starting materials and catalysts.
• Develop novel synthetic methodologies to access silicon-containing building blocks.
• Isolate and fully characterise any novel compounds resulting from this project.
• Undertake mechanistic investigations of the new synthetic methodologies supported by reaction kinetics, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
• Perform computational chemistry to assess the properties of novel compounds and support ongoing reaction development.
• Use cheminformatics to guide target compound selection.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure high standards of research data management and reproducibility.
• Engage actively with project partners and participate in regular meetings to report progress.
• Contribute to research outputs, including publications, presentations, and dissemination at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to bids for research grants.
• Assist in the supervision of undergraduate/postgraduate research students and research assistants as required.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and facilities with other scientists, technicians, and students within the laboratories.
• Comply with EPS and ICT safety practices and attend safety courses when appropriate.
• Promote the reputation of the Willcox Group, the Institute of Chemical Sciences, and Heriot-Watt University.
• Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by the Group Leader as well as the Global Head of the Institute of Chemical Sciences.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD (or about to obtain) in chemistry.