At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a vibrant team to design innovative catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry.
- Company: King's College London, a leader in research and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Other info: Flexible start date and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make impactful contributions to cutting-edge research and advance your career in chemistry.
- Qualifications: PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field with strong synthetic chemistry background.
The predicted salary is between 48607 - 48607 £ per year.
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 23 Sep 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About us
The Department of Chemistryis a dynamic and collaborative environment within the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, dedicated to cutting-edge research and academic excellence. We are excited to offer an opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in chemical research and contribute to impactful scientific discovery.
As aResearch Associate in Chemistry, you will be part of a vibrant research community, working closely with academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and students. You will play a key role in supporting and delivering high-quality research projects, contributing to publications, and fostering innovation within the department. This position also involves collaboration with faculty and central services to ensure a supportive and productive research environment.
About the role
TheCobbgroup are looking for a passionate and creative scientist to join our team as a postdoctoral researcher in synthetic organic chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the King’s College London on a project that seeks to design powerful modular asymmetric catalysts inspired by the helices seen in nature.
The successful candidate will join the dynamic and collaborative research group of Professor André Cobb, working at the forefront of foldamer research and cutting-edge synthetic methodologies (for information about the group, please visithttp://www.cobbresearch.com ) in collaboration with the group of Professor Craig Butts at the University of Bristol.
The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in designing and executing the synthesis of novel and innovative foldamer catalysts, and their application towards a variety of stereoselective processes, including organocatalytic and photocatalytic reactions. Applicants should have extensive experience in both small molecule (multi-step) synthesis and in solid phase peptide synthesis. Thus, the role could also be suitable for peptide and nucleic acid chemists who are interested in synthetic methodology.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation, such as high throughput experimentation, and collaborate with experts in the field.
Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills are required to ensure success in liaising with a large and diverse research team:
- PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field.
- Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, and/or solid phase peptide synthesis.
- Demonstrated track record of high-quality research, as evidenced by publications in reputable journals.
- Excellent communication skills and experience of writing up research results for publication are expected.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor André Cobb at andre.cobb@kcl.ac.uk . This post is advertised with an intended start date of 1st November 2025 with flexibility. This is a full time post, offered on a fixed term contract until the 31st October 2026.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- A PhD in synthetic organic chemistry (or pending results)
- Experience in multistep synthetic chemistry
- Experience in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis
- Experience in separation and characterisation of small to medium sized molecules
- Experience in key spectroscopic techniques
- A strong record of publication in relevant and peer-reviewed journals
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to both write and present scientifically, clearly and succinctly.
- Experience in asymmetric synthesis and the determination of enantiomeric excess.
- Experience in using/applying density functional theory (DFT)
- Evidence of independent funding
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Further Information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\'s.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit ’ pages.
Grade and Salary:£48,607 per annum, including London weighting allowance
Job ID:123485
Close Date:23-Sep-2025
Contact Person:Professor André Cobb
Contact Details:andre.cobb@kcl.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry employer: King’s College London
King's College London offers a vibrant and collaborative research environment that fosters innovation and academic excellence in the field of chemistry. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work alongside leading experts, contributing to impactful scientific discoveries while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. With a commitment to employee growth and development, this role provides a unique chance to advance your career in a prestigious institution located in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow researchers, professors, and industry professionals. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. Remember, it's not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Bring up your research projects, publications, and any innovative techniques you've mastered. This is your time to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for their team!
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After an interview, don’t just sit back and wait. Send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that postdoc position. We love seeing applications come directly from motivated candidates like you, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in synthetic organic chemistry and any relevant publications. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Be specific about your skills and experiences that make you a great fit for our team.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to write clearly and succinctly. Whether it's your CV or supporting statement, clarity is crucial—let’s see your best writing!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the work of Professor Cobb's group. Familiarise yourself with their recent publications and projects, especially those related to synthetic organic chemistry and asymmetric catalysts. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with multistep synthesis and solid phase peptide synthesis. Brush up on key techniques and methodologies relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates problem-solving skills and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is a must, practice explaining complex concepts clearly and succinctly. Prepare to discuss your previous publications and how you presented your findings. You might even want to rehearse a brief presentation of your research to highlight your ability to convey scientific information effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the research environment, collaboration opportunities, and future projects within the department. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to the team and the broader research community.
