Postdoctoral Research Associate

Contract: Full time (1FTE), Fixed term (36 Months)

Closing date: Wednesday 14^th May 2025

Detailed Description

The Dalgarno Group in the Institute of Chemical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University are seeking a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) with expertise in synthetic supramolecular / macrocyclic and coordination chemistries, and ideally some experience of molecular magnetism. The postholder will combine in/organic synthesis, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction to assemble and structurally characterise new, highly symmetric molecular magnets, working with collaborators to develop magneto-structural correlations to discover and understand novel magnetic phenomena.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims, and objectives are met; development of novel, high symmetry polymetallic cages of paramagnetic transition and lanthanide metal ions, including organic and inorganic syntheses, single crystal and powder XRD, and all associated data analysis.  

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records to document the research project and its progress. Regular reporting of progress, both written and oral, to the PI and other members of the research team. Manage Health and Safety risk assessments. 

• Working as part of a large team, provide a leading role in ensuring the smooth running of the laboratory.  

• Working closely with the supervisory team, develop and plan future research objectives. 

• Contribute proactively to dissemination of research findings through conference presentations and drafting peer-review publications.  

• Attend and present findings at research group meetings.  

• Take part in the annual professional development review cycle to ensure skills sets are kept up to date and to identify any training needs relevant to the research.  

• Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done so ethically and in line with UK (GDPR) privacy and data protection policies, and in compliance with the requirements of the funder. 

• Provide tutoring and assist in the supervision of PhD candidates and undergraduate student research projects as necessary. 

Essential Criteria

Education & Qualifications

• PhD in synthetic supramolecular chemistry or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment. 
• The candidate will be expected to have significant practical experience in synthetic calixarene (or other related macrocyclic) chemistry. 
• A demonstrable record of success in previous research, as judged by publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, with evidence supporting intellectual and practical contributions to previous work. 
• The candidate is expected to have experience in experimental design and associated risk assessments. 

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/4247/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk.

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