Research Associate in Synthetic Organic and Materials Chemistry

Job reference: SAE-029763
Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Chemistry
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 10/10/2025
Contract Duration: 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

A postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious synthetic chemist with a proven track record in synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and conjugated polymers to undertake research in the group of Dr Ashok Keerthi at the Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester.

Keerthi’s research group focuses on synthetic engineering of molecular architectures such as chiral nanographenes, 1D graphene nanoribbons, and 2D framework materials through bottom-up synthesis. Team works on new types of molecular architectures to tailor the function and properties. For further information about the research group, see webpage http://ashokkeerthi.weebly.com/

The successful applicant should have, or be working towards, a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry or supramolecular chemistry. The applicant should be capable of working under their own initiative and should be familiar with common laboratory techniques, general analytical tools and reaction screening methods. High level of English communication, both oral and written, is required.

The start date is 3rd November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and the position is available for one year with possible extension of one more year.

Overall Purpose of the Job

Design and synthesis of molecular ribbons and new types of 2D molecular architectures under the supervision of Dr Ashok Keerthi.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Ashok Keerthi

Email: ashok.keerthi@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Advert information