Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chiral Organic Luminescent Materials

Location: Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Chiral Organic Luminescent Materials to work under the supervision of Dr Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro for the period to 31/07/2027 in the first instance with a possibility of an extension, subject to funding.  

The role aims to develop and expand upon well-established chemistry in the Avestro Group to investigate how the molecular structural dynamics and embedded chiral information in redox-active polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons influence the emergence of novel photoluminescent properties. While the majority of objectives will concern unravelling the fundamental consequences of structural design on molecular solution-state properties, where relevant the activities will investigate novel molecules as potential materials by probing their electronic behaviour in the self-assembled (aggregate) and bulk states, possibly in the context of organic devices.

The successful candidate will lead experimental studies that integrate diverse techniques to gain greater depth of insight over stimuli-responsive properties of interest. Using the principles established from the fundamental investigations, the post holder will pursue new molecular designs and synthetic methodologies to expand target novelty and fine-tune desirable stimuli-responsive properties. Finally, the successful candidate will contribute to the preparation of high-quality manuscripts for publication, research reports, presentations suitable for dissemination, and where appropriate, support supervision of junior researchers in the group and the general management of a productive research environment. See the job description for further details.

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry or a relevant subject area, (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires expertise in multi-step organic synthesis, including molecular design, and the characterisation of stimuli-responsive photophysical phenomena at the molecular level.

You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, and is available as soon as possible.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday on Friday 9 January 2026, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford. 

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