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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to develop innovative flow reactors and optimise catalysis processes.
- Company: University of Bath, part of the UK Catalysis Hub with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable chemistry while collaborating with industry leaders like Syngenta.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong technical, organisational, and communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33800 - 44000 £ per year.
This role is part of the UK Catalysis Hub using Bath’s Dynamic Reaction Monitoring (DReaM) Facility. DReaM is the UK’s leading facility for multi-dimensional real-time reaction monitoring of complex solution phase chemistry to enable the rational development of cleaner and more sustainable processes. It features unique expertise in high-resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy augmented with real-time UVvis, IR and Raman spectroscopies, sampling HPLC and mass spectrometry in a dedicated laboratory equipped with unified process control and feedback loops.
The UK Catalysis Hub is a national consortium of 46 universities, 15 companies, the STFC Harwell science facilities, and 13 international partners established in 2013 to coordinate and advance UK catalysis research and connect it internationally. Now in its third phase of funding, its priority research areas include sustainability and net zero, digital chemistry, and advanced characterisation methods. One of its core missions is to support the training and career development of early career researchers via community events.
Both the UKCH and DReaM are strongly committed to ED&I and RRI, with comprehensive strategies to tackle long-standing issues facing under-represented groups and key ethical issues, focusing on empowering, inspiring, connecting and upskilling more diverse leaders.
Note that a lower Grade 6 offer may be made temporarily, with appropriate reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their completion date, and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in working at the interface of homogeneous catalysis, NMR spectroscopy and automation to develop new flow reactors via advanced process control. This one-year project brings together leading expertise in catalysis and operando FlowNMR (Hintermair, Bath) with reaction engineering, flow chemistry and self-optimisation (Bourne & Chamberlain, Leeds) supported by an engaged industrial partner (Syngenta).
The aim of the project is to use advanced self-optimising algorithms to regulate homogeneously catalysed reactions based on the optimal working state of the catalyst to enable maximum lifetime and productivity. Most of the work will be carried out in Bath’s DReaM facility which offers access to advanced, multi-nuclear, high-resolution FlowNMR with a data infrastructure for real-time process regulation via LabVIEW. With the help of our collaborators, the leading expertise in self-optimisation from the iPRD Leeds will be implemented in DReaM, and new methods and applications developed jointly. Translation into industrial practice is an exciting opportunity offered by Syngenta via a placement at their research centre in Jealott’s Hill.
About you: Apart from excellent technical skills, good organisational, communication and presentation skills are essential for this role, as is the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment. Interaction with partners of the UK Catalysis Hub and participation in their events will be expected.
Further information: For an informal discussion relating to this vacancy, please contact Uli Hintermair.
This is a fixed term full time position. 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 equality 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. We are very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you: We are continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- 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
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Closing Date: 16 Feb 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate in FlowNMR for Self-Optimisation of Homogeneous Catalysis (SS13379) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in FlowNMR for Self-Optimisation of Homogeneous Catalysis (SS13379) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bath or the UK Catalysis Hub. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research areas mentioned in the job description. Show us your passion for sustainability and digital chemistry – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to communicate complex ideas clearly, so grab a friend and run through your thoughts on homogeneous catalysis and FlowNMR.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in FlowNMR for Self-Optimisation of Homogeneous Catalysis (SS13379) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in homogeneous catalysis and NMR spectroscopy, and show us how your skills align with the exciting work at Bath's DReaM facility.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for catalysis and automation shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine interest in developing sustainable processes and how you can contribute to our mission of advancing UK catalysis research.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application in our system.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your FlowNMR
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FlowNMR spectroscopy and its applications in homogeneous catalysis. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to the DReaM facility's goals, especially in relation to real-time reaction monitoring.
✨Showcase Your Interdisciplinary Skills
This role requires collaboration across various fields. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully worked with different disciplines. Highlight your communication and organisational skills, as these will be crucial in an interdisciplinary environment.
✨Engage with Sustainability Topics
Since the UK Catalysis Hub focuses on sustainability and net zero, be prepared to discuss your views on these topics. Think about how your research can contribute to cleaner processes and be ready to share any relevant experiences or ideas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future directions of the DReaM facility or how they envision the integration of self-optimising algorithms in their processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
