Research Fellow in Organic Synthesis

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2025

Background

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Organic Synthesis to explore the research and development of new catalysis-based methods for complex molecule synthesis. The appointed researcher will be based in the School of Chemistry and will work under the guidance of Dr Paul Davies alongside a team of postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers. 

We have recently developed a new strategy to access C(sp³)-rich structures in a modular and efficient fashion. The successful applicant will build upon these preliminary results and our expertise in nitrenoid chemistry and pi-acid catalysis to develop state-of-the-art methodology for the preparation of molecules with desirable profiles for early stage drug discovery. The project combines studies in catalysis methods alongside target applications to explore novel chemical space of interest to the drug discovery sector. 

The project builds upon our work in the field of nitrenoid chemistry, some papers from our group in that area include: Chem. Rec. 2021, 21, 3964, ACS Catal. 2021, 6357; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 13310.

The successful candidate will undertake the development and application of new synthetic methodology and syntheses as directed by Dr Paul Davies. In addition to communication of their results in meetings and conferences they will prepare drafts and high quality supporting information for publications arising from the research. The appointee will give oral presentations on their work, write internal reports and produce draft publications, and relevant communication skills are required. They will be expected to manage their own academic research and administrative activities, including small scale project management, co-ordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines and timely interaction with collaborators, and to contribute more widely to research group activities.

Find out more about the Davies Group here. 

Person Specification

• First degree in chemistry and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Paul Davies, email: p.w.davies@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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