Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

The Pilgrim Group is seeking a highly motivated and talented researcher to join our team (https://www.thepilgrimgroup.co.uk/). This post is funded by Dr Ben Pilgrim’s Royal Society University Research Fellowship and is available for a period of 18 months.

The project will build upon the group’s recent advances in the field of metal-organic cages (for examples of work developed by the previous post holder see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 30296-30303; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 28233-28241; https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-c7kv1-v2). Metal-organic cage research within the group is both a fundamental structural discovery programme targeting novel architectures and how to control structural transformations between them, in addition to exploring exciting new functional applications of cages, particularly at the interface with biology/medicine.

We are looking for a skilled synthetic chemist who can efficiently bring established projects to a publication-ready stage as well as contributing their own ideas to new directions for the group’s research. In addition to pursuing their own project, the successful candidate will have delegated responsibility for safe laboratory practice and contribute to the smooth running and day-to-day supervision of students within the Pilgrim group (currently 6 PhD students, 3 MRes). They will also assist Dr Pilgrim in publication and grant writing activities. The post holder will also be given the help and freedom to develop their own research ideas. Hence, this position may be particularly attractive to those looking to develop research independence and leadership.

Candidates should have either already obtained a PhD in a relevant field of chemistry or have submitted their thesis prior to starting. Expertise in the synthesis, purification, and characterisation of organic molecules is required. Prior experience with metal complexes, single crystal X-ray diffraction and/or appropriate computational techniques are all highly desirable. The post holder should be able to prepare high quality figures and supporting information to publication standard. They should have excellent organisational, communication, and team working skills and be comfortable supervising junior researchers.

They will join a friendly, diverse, and supportive research group with a track record of producing high impact publications, receive a generous holiday entitlement (30 days plus bank holidays and university closure days), benefit from staff development and career progression, opportunity to present completed projects at (inter)national conferences, access to a range of benefits and rewards. There may also be opportunities to undertake a small amount of undergraduate teaching (e.g., tutorials) if desired.  

This is a Full time (36.25 hours) fixed-term post until 30/09/2027.

If you are excited by the opportunities of this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply; you may be just the right candidate. 

Please contact Ben Pilgrim (ben.pilgrim@nottingham.ac.uk) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

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