Research Associate in Organometallic Chemistry

Role Description

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Associate in Organometallic Chemistry to join Professor Andrew Weller’s internationally leading group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York, UK. This full-time position is available for up to 36 months supporting the PRECISION SMOM research project, Precision Synthesis And Catalysis Using Solid-State Molecular Organometallic Chemistry. Single-Crystal Reactivity In 3D And 2D, funded by the European Union (Project Number 101198896, HORIZON-ERC, ERC-2024-ADG)

Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and most successful departments at York and we are renowned internationally for our research. As a department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role 

In this project the boundaries of what can be achieved in SMOM (solid-state molecular organometallic) chemistry will be pushed back, in both synthesis and catalysis. In particular we are interested in how the molecular structure of the organometallic complexes in crystallo can be fine-tuned to develop selective catalysts for a variety of different transformations of simple feedstocks (alkanes, alkenes, and other small molecules), that also operate at close to room temperature with high conversions. The project will develop new synthetic routes to in crystallo organometallics, study their fundamental reactivity, deployment in catalysis (batch or flow) and the interrogation of kinetics and mechanism. 

The post is ideally suited to someone who is willing to take on a synthetic challenge, problem-solve in a collaborative team environment, and further develop their skills by using a wide variety of techniques to resolve structure, bonding and reactivity in organometallic systems.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed 

You will:

• have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and PhD in Organometallic Chemistry with knowledge of, and experience in, air sensitive platinum group metal, or related, organometallic synthesis and catalysis; x-ray crystallography; and advanced NMR spectroscopy.
• be skilled in single crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy as applied to Organometallic Chemistry 
• be skilled in air-sensitive platinum group metal (or closely related) organometallic synthesis and catalysis
• have highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide ranging audience, both orally and in writing; demonstrated ability to write up research work for publication; ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Andrew Weller on andrew.weller@york.ac.uk

The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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