Research Fellow, Chemistry

Start Date: September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Term: fixed-term for 4 Years.

Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Professor Sharon Ashbrook conducting research into the characterisation of inorganic materials using solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

The role will involve the development and application of advanced multinuclear and multidimensional solid-state NMR methodology for the detailed characterization of a range of disordered materials including porous solids, hybrid solids, ceramics and energy materials. This may, where necessary, include in situ experiments to understand the formation or reactivity of these materials.

The role will involve some basic synthetic manipulations (e.g., for isotopic enrichment), the use of powder X-ray diffraction and/or microscopy and the application of periodic planewave DFT calculations to help assign and interpret complex NMR spectra. This last task may also involve the use of more advanced computational methodology such as ensemble modelling, structure searching and machine learning. The role holder will also work with undergraduate students and PhD students within the research group.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Chemistry or a related subject and have significant experience of solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The post is available for 4 years starting September or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

Further details of the project can be obtained informally by contacting Professor Sharon Ashbrook (sema@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in chemistry and 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: 4 August 2025

Interview Date: w/c 18 August 2025

Please quote ref: ARAC1346XXLS

Further Particulars: ARAC1346XXLSFPs.pdf

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