Research Associate in FlowNMR for Self-Optimisation of Homogeneous Catalysis

About the role

This role is part of the UK Catalysis Hub using Bath’s Dynamic Reaction Monitoring (DReaM) Facility.

DReaM is the UK’s leading facility for multi-dimensional real-time reaction monitoring of complex solution phase chemistry to enable the rational development of cleaner and more sustainable processes. It features unique expertise in high-resolution FlowNMR spectroscopy augmented with real-time UVvis, IR and Raman spectroscopies, sampling HPLC and mass spectrometry in a dedicated laboratory equipped with unified process control and feedback loops. 

The UK Catalysis Hub is a national consortium of 46 universities, 15 companies, the STFC Harwell science facilities, and 13 international partners established in 2013 to coordinate and advance UK catalysis research and connect it internationally. Now in its third phase of funding, its priority research areas include sustainability and net zero, digital chemistry, and advanced characterisation methods. One of its core missions is to support the training and career development of early career researchers via community events. 

Both the UKCH and DReaM are strongly committed to ED&I and RRI, with comprehensive strategies to tackle long-standing issues facing under-represented groups and key ethical issues, focusing on empowering, inspiring, connecting and upskilling more diverse leaders.

Note that a lower Grade 6 offer may be made temporarily, with appropriate reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their completion date, and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded. As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in working at the interface of homogeneous catalysis, NMR spectroscopy and automation to develop new flow reactors via advanced process control.

This one-year project brings together leading expertise in catalysis and operando FlowNMR (Hintermair, Bath) with reaction engineering, flow chemistry and self-optimisation (Bourne & Chamberlain, Leeds) supported by an engaged industrial partner (Syngenta).

The aim of the project is to use advanced self-optimising algorithms to regulate homogeneously catalysed reactions based on the optimal working state of the catalyst to enable maximum lifetime and productivity. Most of the work will be carried out in Bath’s DReaM facility which offers access to advanced, multi-nuclear, high-resolution FlowNMR with a data infrastructure for real-time process regulation via LabVIEW. With the help of our collaborators the leading expertise in self-optimisation from the iPRD Leeds will be implemented in DReaM, and new methods and applications developed jointly. Translation into industrial practice is an exciting opportunity offered by Syngenta via a placement at their research centre in Jealott’s Hill.

About you 

Apart from excellent technical skills, good organisational, communication and presentation skills are essential for this role, as is the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment. Interaction with partners of the UK Catalysis Hub and participation in their events will be expected.

Further information

For an informal discussion relating to this vacancy, please contact Uli Hintermair (uh213@bath.ac.uk).

This is a fixed term full time position. 

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