Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative research project between the University of Cambridge, UK and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. The project aims to develop cutting-edge Magnetic Resonance (MR) methodologies tailored for applications in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

Project Overview

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is widely recognized as a powerful diagnostic tool in medicine due to its ability to non-invasively image the interior of optically opaque materials using radiofrequency waves. Building on Cambridge's pioneering research in applying MRI and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study catalytic processes in operando conditions, this project seeks to establish a novel MRI-based capability for in-situ characterization of chemical and physical processes within model micro trickle bed reactors (TBRs).

The primary objective is to develop and implement MRI techniques to study continuous catalytic hydrogenation reactions relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Specifically, we aim to understand how variables such as catalyst properties (e.g., size, shape, pore structure), reactor design, and operating conditions influence conversion, selectivity, and catalyst deactivation. Unlike conventional studies that focus on reactor outputs, this work will visualize and quantify mass transport and chemical processes inside the reactor at the catalyst pellet scale. The resulting MRI data will inform and validate numerical models of reactor performance, enabling the creation of digital twins that support efficient, scalable, and sustainable pharmaceutical production.

The majority of the research will be conducted in Cambridge, with regular secondments to A*STAR in Singapore to translate the developed MRI methodologies to their NMR infrastructure.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher with experience in:

• MRI and NMR techniques, including relaxation, diffusion, and chemical shift imaging
• Heterogeneous catalytic reactions and catalyst testing under flow conditions
• Operation and development of MR instrumentation
• Quantitative data analysis using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools

Person Specification

• A first degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• A PhD in NMR spectroscopy, MRI, or heterogeneous catalysis
• Practical experience in catalytic reactor design, building and operation
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis techniques and software platforms

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please quote reference NQ46911 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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