Postdoctoral Research Associate (SS13735) - Bath, BA2 7AY

About the role

We are recruiting for a postdoctoral research associate to work on a new, experimentally-driven research project in synthetic inorganic chemistry, funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The project aims to provide new strategies for achieving "precious metal-like" redox catalysis using main group elements, and is driven by both sustainability concerns and fundamental academic curiosity. Other recent studies in this area have typically focused on trying to directly mimic the elementary reaction steps used by precious metals, despite these being poorly matched to most main group elements' "natural" reactivity. Instead, this project aims to develop new elementary steps that can be used to form alternative, "main group-friendly" catalytic mechanisms, while retaining precious metal-like net outcomes. To do this, the successful applicant will design, synthesise, and investigate main group Lewis acids with redox-active scaffolds that will enable systematic, "umpolung" transformation of nucleophiles into electrophiles, as a direct alternative to traditional reductive elimination steps.

About you

We are seeking an exceptional postdoctoral candidate with a strong track record of successful research in the field of molecular inorganic synthesis, who possesses good organisational and presentation skills, and who can be an effective organiser of their own research and administrative duties. The latter will include coordination of research with external project collaborators, and assistance in the broader management of the Scott research group (including co-supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students).

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in chemistry or a closely related subject, or be close to completion at the time of applying. Experience and expertise in the synthesis and manipulation of air-sensitive compounds are essential. Experience in the field of "transition metal-like" main group chemistry is desirable, but not essential for applicants with good experience in other areas of molecular inorganic synthesis. Experience with NMR spectroscopy is essential. Experience with other relevant characterisation techniques such as XRD, CV, and/or EPR is desirable, but is not essential for otherwise strong candidates. The potential to publish work in high quality, peer-reviewed journals is essential, and may be demonstrated either by an applicant's prior publication record or by providing suitable recommendations from the applicant's previous research supervisor(s).

Further information

This position is offered on a full-time basis with a duration of up to 24 months, and a suggested start date of September 14th 2026 (although earlier or later starts are also possible, depending on applicants' specific needs). It will be supervised by Dr Daniel Scott, who can be contacted if applicants require further information about the proposed research or would like to informally discuss any other aspect of their application. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be organised as soon as possible upon closing of the application window.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

What we can offer you

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including: Staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.

Closing Date: 25 Jun 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049