Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry

Location: White City Campus

About the role:

Applications are invited for Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry at Imperial College London. You will join the research group of Prof James A Bull.

The post is funded by the EPSRC on “Enantioselective C–H Functionalisation of Heterocycles: Catalytic Routes to Essential Scaffolds for Medicines and Screening Compounds”.

You will take a leading role in the development of new methods related to the C–H functionalisation of medicinally relevant substrates. You will also work collaboratively with junior group members.

For further details of the research group, see:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/j.bull

What you would be doing:

You will establish new synthetic methods for enantioselective C–H functionalisation of heterocyclic compounds and prepare compounds for biological evaluation. This will build on our previous works on directed C–H functionalisation of heterocycles (eg ACS Catal. 2023, 13, 9597–9615) and the use of catalytic transient directing groups (eg Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 4840; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 16, e202202933).

You will take a leading role in the development of new methods for enantioselective C-H functionalisation on medicinally relevant substrates. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day progress of the project, including the design and implementation of appropriate experiments and techniques utilising effective problem-solving skills where necessary. You will work with Prof Bull and members of the research team, as well as assist in the supervision of junior co-workers in the Bull group.

What we are looking for:

You will hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in Synthetic Chemistry or have equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.

Essential criteria include:

• Strong track record in synthetic chemistry or catalysis
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including the synthesis of new organic compounds, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
• Practical experience of synthetic method development
• Knowledge of modern methods and techniques in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis
• Ability to design new experiments and include appropriate controls
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• State of the art facilities in the Molecular Sciences Research Hub on the White City Campus.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

The project is funded by EPSRC. The role is full time and fixed term for up to 38 months.

You will be based at the new MSRH building on the White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Candidates should complete the online application.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Prof James A Bull j.bull@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information