Research Associate in Organometallic Chemistry

About the role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding inorganic/organometallic chemist to undertake research in the field of copper(I) catalysis.

This is following the award of an EPSRC New Investigator Award to the University of Bath entitled "Carbon Dioxide Activation and Valorisation at Copper-Phosphorus Bonds". You will work in the Liptrot group, whose interest span main group chemistry, copper(I) catalysis and synthesis for materials science. The project will focus on the generation and exploitation of copper(I) complexes in catalytic reactions. The role is available from November 2025 to February 2027, and has funding available to support training and travel opportunities.

About you

We are seeking an exceptional postdoctoral candidate to perform research in the general area of synthetic and mechanistic main group and group 11 chemistry. We are particularly interested in candidates with an interest in following up our recent report of a compound containing a copper-magnesium bond (R. A. Jackson, N. J. Evans, D. J. Babula, T. M. Horsley Downie, R. S. C. Charman, S. E. Neale, M. F. Mahon, D. J. Liptrot; Nucleophilicity at copper(-I) in a compound with a Cu–Mg bond; Nature Communications, 2025, 16, 1101.).

The successful candidate will be expected to synthesise a range of copper(I)-main group complexes, perform mechanistic analyses, draft papers and supervise Postgraduate and Masters project students. All new compounds will be analysed by a combination of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and mass spectrometry.

Completion of a PhD in a relevant area, and previous experience in the synthesis and characterisation of highly air- and moisture-sensitive organometallics is essential. A record of accomplishment of peer-reviewed publications is desirable.

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (1 FTE) fixed term basis until February 2027.

For an informal discussion relating to this vacancy, please contact Dr David Liptrot (dl260@bath.ac.uk), or Dr Marina Uzelac (mu326@bath.ac.uk)

The Department of Chemistry is internationally renowned, with 99% of our research rated at either world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent REF exercise.

We offer a well-equipped and supportive department that provides an excellent environment for teaching, learning, and research

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

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