Research Associate (Chemistry)

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to work in the groups of Dr John Slattery and Professor Duncan Bruce in Chemistry at the University of York. This project is part of an exciting collaboration between York and Heriot-Watt University that is funded by a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project aims to use a range of cutting-edge techniques to understand and optimise Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (SILP) catalysts for the synthesis of important building blocks for the chemical industry.

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. 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 aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

The role will involve the development, understanding and optimisation of homogeneous and heterogenised catalyst systems. This will include catalytic mechanistic studies using a range of approaches. Project work will include:

• conducting catalytic reactions, such as hydrogenation and hydroformylation;
• synthesising and understanding the behaviour of novel solvent systems and bespoke catalysts;
• preparing and characterising thin ionic liquid thin films;
• preparing for, undertaking and completing post-experiment analysis following neutron and X-ray experiments at facilities such as ISIS and the Diamond Light Source.

The project is highly collaborative and will involve working with team members from Heriot-Watt University, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and other research group members in York. This post is full-time on a fixed-term contract that is funded for 3 years and 9 months. Flexible working patterns and job sharing opportunities will be considered.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed:

• PhD in chemistry, or chemical engineering (strong chemistry focus)
• Knowledge and experience of synthesis and catalysis, including the ability to work effectively with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds and undertake a range of catalytic reactions.
• Knowledge and experience of a range of spectroscopic and analytical methods of relevance to the project area.
• Track record of publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and an ability to lead the writing up of results for publication in a timely manner.
• Willingness and ability to work proactively with collaborators in other institutions is important.
• Have a strong ability to plan and manage their own time to consistently meet deadlines, whilst maintaining excellent research quality.

Interview dates: To be confirmed. For informal enquiries: please contact John Slattery (Reader in Chemistry) at john.slattery@york.ac.uk. The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff.