Research Associate in EPR and X-ray Spectroscopies in Manchester

An EPSRC-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to undertake research in spectroscopy, magnetism and computational studies of low-oxidation-state rare-earth chemistry. This post is part of the project ‘Interdisciplinary studies of low-oxidation-state rare earth elements’, supervised by Prof. David Mills, Prof. Richard Winpenny, Prof. Eric McInnes, Prof. David Collison and Drs. Alice Bowen, Michael Baker and Floriana Tuna at the University of Manchester. The project involves close collaboration with Prof. W. J. Evans at the Edelman Quantum Institute, University of California Irvine (USA), and Prof. F. Furche at UCI, an expert in electronic structure calculations, and will offer opportunities for secondment to those laboratories.

The successful candidate will perform EPR and X-ray spectroscopies and computational studies on series of low-valent rare-earth complexes with the aim of understanding the relationship between molecular structures and physical properties.

Overall Purpose of the Job: The role holder is expected to characterise the electronic structure of a series of rare-earth complexes to a standard suitable for publication, supervise other researchers in the research groups, and manage a group of PhD and undergraduate students working on a variety of spectroscopy and magnetism projects. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD qualification in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field, and should have experience in performing advanced spectroscopic and/or magnetic measurements. Experience of handling and measuring highly air-sensitive samples, and being adept at a variety of characterisation techniques and calculations, are all highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be a highly capable, motivated and independent researcher who is able to manage a group of PhD and undergraduate students working on a variety of spectroscopy and magnetism projects, and will be expected to take a leading role in the research group, including organising synchrotron and neutron facility trips, holding group meetings and presenting findings at international conferences.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Award, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will always be made on merit.

What you will get in return: Fantastic market-leading pension scheme, excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an employee assistance programme, exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays, additional paid closure over the Christmas period, local and national discounts at a range of major retailers. Our University is positive about flexible working – hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application, are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from recruitment agencies, and any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries: Shortlisting and interviews – Prof. Eric McInnes, email: eric.mcinnes@manchester.ac.uk; General enquiries – email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk; Technical support – https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home. This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.