PDRA in Organic Chemistry

Role Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in organic chemistry, conducting research supervised by Dr Paul McGonigal in the Department of Chemistry. This fixed-term position is funded by the Royal Society through an award entitled ‘State-Independent Electrolytes in Spin Wave Interference-Based Reservoir Computing’. The post holder will synthesise functionalised aromatic ions to investigate their phase behaviour and ionic conductivity. The materials will be studied in collaboration with Prof Takashi Tsuchiya at the National Institute of Materials Science, Japan. See recent McGonigal Group publications for related synthetic background – Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202202193; Nature Chem. 2023, 15, 516.

Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award . As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. Further information can be found on our website.

Role

The position will suit a candidate with a background primarily in synthetic chemistry with additional expertise in characterising organic materials. Experience of electrochemistry, differential scanning calorimetry and polarised optical microscopy would also be beneficial but is not essential. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide expert guidance and training of researchers engaged in other projects in the McGonigal group, and to contribute to the writing and publishing of high-quality manuscripts and disseminating the research at conferences.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in Chemistry or related subject, PhD in organic chemistry (or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment)
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing; Ability to write up research work for publication; Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research; Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research; Experience of writing up research work for publication; Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; Ideally with experience of host–guest chemistry.

This role is offered on a fixed term basis for up to 20 months.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Paul McGonigal by email (paul.mcgonigal@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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