Senior Research Associate in Inorganic and Biophysical Chemistry

Probing for i-Motif DNA with Ruthenium Complexes

i-Motif DNA (iM) is a DNA secondary structure known since 1993, but whose existence in cells was only proven in 2018. There is much to be learned about iM structure and function, but new tools for its detection are needed. You will work with Dr Fielden and collaborator Prof. Zoë Waller (UCL) to develop ruthenium complexes as probes for iM both in vitro and in live cells.

Your work on the project will combine synthesis of new ruthenium polypyridyl complexes, with study of their photophysical properties and interactions with DNA. Thus, you will combine a demonstrably high level of expertise in synthetic coordination or organometallic chemistry, with an interest in and willingness to learn the physical/biophysical methods required. You must have, or be shortly going to obtain, a PhD in chemistry and be able to meet all essential aspects of the person specification. The post will involve short-term training/research secondments with Prof. Waller.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr. John Fielden (j.fielden@lancaster.ac.uk, 01524 522 058). The position is to start on 28^th April 2025 or shortly afterwards.

The Department of Chemistry re-opened in 2012 and has rapidly expanded to over 25 members of academic staff and a thriving community of post-doctoral researchers, PGR and UG students. It ranks highly in the UK (9th in the Guardian University Guide 2024), with state-of-the-art labs housed in a completely refurbished building. Further information is available at: Chemistry - Lancaster University 

Lancaster University is highly ranked – 11th in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2024. It holds a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold rating and ranked 21^st in the 2021 REF. The campus is located in 560 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the small and vibrant city of Lancaster.

BENEFITS 

• 25 days (pro-rata) annual leave plus University closure days and bank holidays.
• Employee pension scheme, and annual flexible benefits scheme.
• We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and supporting family-friendly and flexible working policies for individuals, as recognized by the Department’s Athena Swan Bronze Award. See our family friendly webpages to find out more. 
• Lancaster University is committed to supporting the professional and career development for all staff, including the principles of the conrcordat to support the career development of researchers. This has been recognized by the HR Excellence in Research Award. 

Please upload a cover letter with your application.

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. 

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity. 

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):