Postdoctoral Research Associate

Fixed term: up to 36 months 

Full time: 35 hours per week

Post available from 01/07/2025

The School of Chemistry are looking for an exceptional researcher to spearhead a project whose aims are to build and characterise high symmetry, spin frustrated, molecular (0D) cages of paramagnetic 3d transition metal ions / 4f lanthanide metal ions with structures conforming to Archimedean and Keplerate polyhedra using a range of pre-designed (e.g. calix[n]arene) building blocks.

The opportunity:

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) with expertise in synthetic coordination chemistry and molecular magnetism. The postholder will combine in/organic synthesis, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, magnetometry and neutron scattering to characterise novel molecular magnets with a view to developing magneto-structural correlations and discovering and understanding novel magnetic phenomena. This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, inter-disciplinary team (edwebprofiles.ed.ac.uk/profile/professor-euan-k-brechin) with access to a wide range of world class facilities for synthesising and characterising new molecule-based magnetic materials. The work will be undertaken in collaboration with Prof. Chris Stock (www.ph.ed.ac.uk/people/christopher-stock) and Prof. Scott Dalgarno (researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/scott-j-dalgarno). In addition to offering the chance to develop new skills in cross-disciplinary techniques and pursue cutting-edge research, there will be opportunities to develop creativity and management skills.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Expertise in synthetic inorganic (and organic) chemistry
• Expertise in X-ray crystallography, magnetism and an interest in neutron scattering
• Interest and enthusiasm to work in the field of molecular magnetism
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills

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