BACKGROUND
A Leverhulme Trust-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious synthetic to undertake research in the field of nonaqueous synthetic inorganic chemistry. This post is part of the multidisciplnary project “Defining the Electronic Structures of (Hetero)Metallocene Anions – He-MAn,” supervised by Prof. David Mills and Prof. Nicholas Chilton. The successful candidate will synthesise a series of predominantly d-block complexes with a variety of bulky aromatic ligands. These complexes will be analysed by a wide variety of techniques together with collaborators to establish their electronic structures; we anticipate that synthetic modification will facilitate the synthesis of thermally stable (hetero)metallocene complexes with interesting reactivity profiles.
For recent publications relevant to the project see: Nature Chemistry, 2021, 13, 243, and Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2022, e202101063.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The role holder is expected to prepare and fully characterise a series of organometallic complexes to a standard suitable for publication and to supervise other researchers in the laboratory. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD qualification in organometallic chemistry or a closely related field and possess experience of handling highly air sensitive compounds with an excellent knowledge of Schlenk line and glove box techniques. Experience of synthetic organometallic chemistry including the synthesis of paramagnetic complexes is essential, whilst expertise in d-block chemistry, cyclopentadienyl chemistry, characterisation of paramagnetic complexes, and performing calculations, are all highly desirable. The successful candidate will be a highly capable, motivated and independent researcher who is able to manage a group of PhD and project students working on a variety of synthetic organometallic projects. You will be part of a larger research team working in synthesis, measurement and calculations to determine the electronic structures of predominantly paramagnetic complexes. You will be expected to take a leading role in the research group including laboratory management, organising group meetings and presenting findings at international conferences.
The start date is 30th September 2023, or soon after, and the position is available for up to three years.
The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Award, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity-inclusion/awards/athena-swan/
When completing the additional information section of your application, please ensure you make reference to the job description and person specification above, as this will form an integral part of the shortlisting process.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Email: david.mills@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
