At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative multienzyme assemblies for cutting-edge nucleic acid synthesis research.
- Company: Join a leading Chemistry Department at York, renowned for its collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Full-time position with potential for extension and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in multidisciplinary research while working with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in biochemistry or related fields, with strong knowledge in enzyme systems and nucleic acids.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Associate in Time-Resolved Electron Diffraction to join Dr Derek Wann’s group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York, UK. This full-time position is available for up to 30 months in support of Dr Wann’s tenure as Head of Department. It is hoped that the successful applicant can use the position as a springboard to applying for further funding either independently or collaboratively.
Department
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and most successful departments at York and we are renowned internationally for our research. As a Department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award.
Role
This position has been created to support Dr Derek Wann while he is Head of Department. The role will see some freedom to design a project to the research associate’s previous experience and future academic ambitions. An ideal candidate would be a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in some of the following: the handling and manipulation of gases, working with moderately high vacuum, use of class 4 lasers, and working with high-energy electrons. Experience of quantum chemical modelling, programming, and automation of experiments may also come in useful. Developing a strand of research to incorporate spectroscopic studies in parallel to the existing diffraction experiments is one direction in which this project might be taken.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
You will:
- have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry or Physics or a related subject and PhD in time-resolved structure determination
- have knowledge of, and experience in, some of the following: handling and manipulation of gases, working with moderately high vacuums, use of class 4 lasers, and working with high-energy electrons, quantum chemical modelling, programming, and automation of experiments
- have highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide ranging audience, both orally and in writing; demonstrated ability to write up research work for publication; ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research.
Interview date: Interviews will likely be held in person in York in early September 2026
For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Derek Wann on derek.wann@york.ac.uk
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Research Associate employer: University of York
The University of York is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises family-friendly and flexible working arrangements. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive and grow within their roles. Joining our team as a Volunteering Project Officer means being part of a meaningful initiative that empowers young people and fosters community partnerships in a vibrant academic setting.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
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Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
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How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
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