BACKGROUND
An EPSRC-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious synthetic inorganic chemist to undertake research in the field of low oxidation state rare earth chemistry. This post is part of the project “Interdisciplinary studies of low oxidation state rare earth elements,” supervised by Profs. David Mills, Richard Winpenny, Eric McInnes, David Collison and Drs Alice Bowen, Michael Baker and Floriana Tuna at The University of Manchester. The project will involve close collaboration with our project partner Prof W. J. Evans at the Edelman Quantum Institute, University of California Irvine (USA), and will offer opportunities for secondment to those laboratories. The successful candidate will synthesise various series of low valent rare earth complexes with different families of ligands, with the aim of understanding the relationship between molecular structures and their unusual physical properties. The latter will involve close collaboration with a second PDRA undertaking physical and computational studies.
For recent publications relevant to the project see: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 27993; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15000; Nat. Commun. 2019, 10, 3330; Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 3003.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The role holder is expected to synthesise and characterise a series of rare earth complexes and their precursors to a standard suitable for publication and to supervise other researchers in the laboratory. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD or equivalent qualification in synthetic inorganic chemistry or a closely related field. They should have experience of handling highly air-sensitive compounds, with an excellent knowledge of Schlenk line and glove box techniques. Experience of rare earth chemistry, characterisation of paramagnetic complexes, and being adept at a variety of characterisation techniques and 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 undergraduate students working on a variety of synthetic inorganic chemistry projects. You will be part of a larger research team working in synthesis, measurements 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 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/
What you will get in return:
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof. David Mills; Prof. Richard Winpenny; Prof. Eric McInnes
Email: david.mills@manchester.ac.uk; richard.winpenny@manchester.ac.uk; eric.mcinnes@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@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.
