Research Fellow in Synthetic Supramolecular Chemistry

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Salary:

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £34,408

Contract Type:

Fixed Term contract up to February 2026

Background

This is an EPSRC-funded postdoctoral position in the group of Dr Barendt in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. 

The aim of the project is to prepare and analyse novel dye-based supramolecular donor-acceptor systems, including mechanically interlocked molecules, that exhibit charge transfer for organic optoelectronics. This work builds on our recent work of macrocycles that exhibit through-space electronic communication between organic dye components as seen here: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 12290. 

Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry is essential, while skills in supramolecular chemistry, organic dye chemistry, photophysics and electrochemistry are also desirable. Candidates must have, or about to be awarded, a PhD in synthetic chemistry. 

Role Summary

• Work on Dr Barendt’s EPSRC-funded research grant “Supramolecular charge transfer emitters: increasing efficiency in the near-infrared”
• Design, prepare and characterise new organic dye-based molecules
• Disseminate the project results through publications and conference presentations 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Perform synthetic supramolecular chemistry in the laboratory, including the preparation of novel macrocycles, host-guest complexes and mechanically interlocked molecules
• Characterise the structure, photophysics and electrochemical properties of molecules using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and single crystal X-ray diffraction
• Use computational modelling to guide molecular design and gain a deeper understanding of new systems
• Work effectively with collaborators 
• Disseminate research findings through the writing of publications and presentations at research conferences
• Supervise students on research related to the project and provide guidance to PhD and Master’s students 
• Progress the research project towards realising deliverables and hitting milestones 
• Support the day-to-day running of the research group 
• Promote EDI within the research group, school and university

Person Specification

• Candidates must have a PhD (or near to completion) in chemistry 
• Expertise in synthetic chemistry is essential
• Expertise in supramolecular chemistry, organic dye chemistry, photophysics and electrochemistry are desirable
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
•  Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Work effectively in a research team, including collaborative research
• An understanding of the importance of EDI within research culture 

Informal enquires to Dr Timothy Barendt email: t.a.barendt@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button above or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/requisitions quoting the appropriate job reference number.

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