Postdoctoral Research Associate in OrganometallicMaterials Chemistry - Durham The Role and DepartmentThe ChemistryDepartment at Durham University has a reputation for excellence inteaching, research and employability of our students andpostdoctoral workers. The Chemistry Department is a vibrantresearch environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilitiesand equipment appropriate for all aspects of this work. The projectis funded by RCUK as part of an ongoing interdisciplinarycollaboration between Durham University, Lancaster University, theUniversity of Cambridge and an industrial partner (Quantum Base).The RoleApplications are invited for a Postdoctoral ResearchAssociate in organometallic materials chemistry with a particularemphasis on multi-step synthesis and characterisation of transitionmetal complexes with tailor-made ligands. The overall aim of theproject is to use new molecules to develop nanoscale switches anddevices for applications in information and communicationtechnology and energy management. The research project will besupervised by Professor Martin R. Bryce. The collaborating groupsat Cambridge (Professor Chris Ford) and Lancaster (Professors BenRobinson and Colin Lambert) specialise in experimental nanoscaletransport measurements, nanoscale device engineering andcomputation. For relevant references to our background work seeAngew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 882; . Nanoscale Horizons 2022, 7,1201; . Nanoscale Advances 2023, 5, 2299;https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NA00873D. ACS Omega 2024, 9, 38303;https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c06475.The successful applicantwill have responsibility for the following aspects of the projectunder the direction of the research supervisor. Keyresponsibilities: Laboratory work: design, multi-step synthesis andpurification of new organometallic complexes (approx. 75% of thecontracted time per year). Rigorous characterisation of new organicligands and organometallic complexes using an array of techniquessuch as HPLC, NMR, absorption and luminescence spectroscopy,crystal growth for X-ray analysis. Critical thinking and problemsolving, especially related to (a) the design and synthesis of newmolecules; (b) understanding structure-property relationships.Manage, plan and prioritise own research within the agreedframework of the project, including planning several weeks inadvance to meet deadlines.Work with other colleagues in theproject, as appropriate, to identify new topics for research,develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.Write detailed, accurate and accessible reports of experimentalwork undertaken, and draw conclusions from the results obtained.Write, or assist writing, the results of the research in a formsuitable for presentation at meetings, patents, and manuscripts forsubmission to world-class journals. Interact closely withcollaborators and project partners in Lancaster and Cambridge. Thiswill include presenting results in regular video calls, andvisiting their laboratories. Contribute to the general day-to-dayrunning of the laboratory to a high standard. This will involve,for example, sharing resources, maintaining supplies of solvents,cryogens and chemicals. Attend national and internationalconferences (in-person and on-line) to present results of theresearch.Deliver training in research techniques/approaches topeers, visitors and students as appropriate.Contribute to fosteringa collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusiveand welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity andrespect.Engage in wider citizenship to support the department andwider discipline.Engage in continuing professional development byparticipation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teachingprogrammes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and byattending relevant training and development courses. Undertakeother duties commensurate with the post as requested by theresearch supervisor and to contribute to the overall activities ofthe research team and department as required.This post is fixedterm for 30 months. The funding is available from 01 May 2025 forthis fixed period only. The project is time-limited and will end on30 April 2028. The successful candidate will ideally be in post assoon as possible after 01 May 2025, and preferably by 31 July 2025.The start date can be negotiated with the successful candidate.Thepost-holder is employed to work on research/a research projectwhich will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that thepost-holder will not be carrying out independent research inhis/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute tothe advancement of the project, through the development of theirown research ideas/adaptation and development of researchprotocols.
