Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organofluorine Chemistry

The Role

This role is for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in organofluorine chemistry with an emphasis on the development of new fluorination reactions using elemental fluorine (F₂). This role is funded through a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship as part of a larger fellowship. This project will study the ability of elemental fluorine to selectively fluorinate organic molecules of interest to decrease the cost and increase the scalability of critical fluorination reactions. The project will develop the unique F₂ handling facility present at Durham and employ it in collaboration with industrial stakeholders to investigate the utility of F₂ as an electrophilic fluorinating reagent.

The successful applicant will be expected to work with the PI to develop the F₂ handling facility, explore substrate activation modes alongside probing the regio- and stereoselectivity of fluorination reactions using F₂. They will be expected to interact with both academic and industrial partners to discuss research progress in the forms of oral and written reports as well as dissemination of results through publications in specialised and general chemistry journals. They will work alongside the current members of the Brittain group with opportunities to mentor and train junior group members. The candidate will be supported directly by the PI who will be on-hand to help the candidate deliver the technical aspects of the project as well as bespoke personal and career development support. They will benefit from taking part in regular group meetings, the depart mental seminar schedule and engage with scientists from across industry and academia. Tailored mentoring will be provided by the PI, research group, the Department as well as Durham University (e.g. Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), Durham Careers & Enterprise Hub)

This post is fixed term for 3 years with a probationary period of 1 year. The fixed nature of this role is due to the fixed nature of the funding.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by no later than March 2026.

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