Postdoctoral Research Associate in Lanthanide Coordination Chemistry and Spectroscopy

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Lanthanide Coordination Chemistry and Spectroscopy to work under the supervision of Professor Stephen Faulkner for a period of up to two years. The project involves the design, synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of lanthanide complexes, including their application as probes for biological imaging and sensing, and is funded by LCSSB – InnoHK.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of lanthanide-based complexes, alongside their characterisation using NMR, luminescence, and related spectroscopic techniques, and initial in vitro evaluation as probes of biological systems. You will contribute to advancing the group’s research on the coordination of chemistry and functional properties of the f-elements, with a particular focus on developing systems for imaging applications.

You will manage your own research activities, including planning and executing experimental work, analysing and interpreting data, and adapting methodologies where required. The role also involves preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting research at conferences and scientific meetings, and contributing to collaborative projects within the group and external partners.

In addition, you will support the wider research environment by supervising undergraduate and graduate students, contributing to group meetings and journal clubs, and participating in outreach and public engagement activities where appropriate.

Find out more about the Faulkner research group at: http://faulkner.chem.ox.ac.uk/

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD in synthetic chemistry or a relevant subject area (or be close to completion), prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires experience in synthetic coordination chemistry and/or spectroscopy of metal complexes.

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

The post will be based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, and is available as soon as possible. This role is offered on a two-year fixed term-bases initially, with further extensions subject to funding.

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 (no more than 5 pages), 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, Monday 27 April 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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