Research Fellow

Start Date: As soon as possible Fixed Term: 12 months

The University of St Andrews is seeking an inorganic, physical or materials chemist to join a large project aimed at developing Metal-organic framework (MOF)/polymer composites for medical devices The position is for 12 months and is funded through the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The successful candidate will join the research group of Professors Russell Morris but will form part of a larger interdisciplinary team that involves researchers from other universities (Queen’s University Belfast, University of Edinburgh and the University of the Highlands and Islands) together with several companies.

The role will involve the manufacture of MOFs and their composites with medical grade polymers, with the goal of developing materials that can store and deliver medically beneficial gases for applications in cardiovascular intervention in medicine. The role will also include the structural characterisation of materials, and we routinely use a wide range of techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption/porosimetry and electron microscopy. An important part of the role will be an aptitude for helping with the commercialisation of the technologies that are being developed.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in chemistry/related subject (e.g. engineering) or show an aptitude to be of the standard of a PhD student. The candidate should be able to demonstrate an ability to assimilate quickly ideas from different areas.

Further information can be obtained informally by contacting Professor Russell Morris (rem1@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Morven Duncan (mjd5@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Financial contribution to relocation
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 31 July 2025

Please quote ref: AR7959DD

Further Particulars: AR7959DD FPs.pdf 

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