Research Associate In Porous Materials and Lithography

Full-time until 31 August 2027 (starting on, or after 1 March 2026).

Loughborough University is an amazing place to work. We’re ranked top ten in every national league table and a hold a global reputation for sporting excellence.

With an atmosphere of determination, ambition, and desire to make a difference, our collaborative environment inspires both staff and students to be the very best they can be. With over 3,000 members of staff, you can expect huge variety and new opportunities every day.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and a highly organised individual with proven experience of Synthetic Chemistry/Materials Science to join the Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University. The candidate would work in a project at the intersection of porous materials and lithography, aiming to develop novel methods for patterning porous structures. Porous materials, such as hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), are characterised by their high surface area and tuneable pores, making them ideal for applications like gas separation, catalysis, and energy storage. Photolithography and thermal scanning lithography enable precise patterning at micro- and nanoscale, which is crucial for microelectronics and nanotechnology.

The integration of these fields could lead to patterned porous materials with enhanced functionality, new smaller and more sensitive electronic sensors.

Key Requirements:

• Experience in organic synthesis.
• Authoring original work for academic journal papers, conference papers or technical reports.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Working knowledge of NMR, TGA, SEM, MS, BET.
• Ability to write project reports and make technical presentations to industrial and academic research groups.
• Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety issues.
• PhD (or near completion) in chemistry or related field.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Paul Roach, via email to p.roach@lboro.ac.uk or Antonio Fernandez-Mato A.Fernandez-Mato@lboro.ac.uk.

For more details, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

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