Research Associate in Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry

The goal of this project is to form a new generation of switchable molecular devices with the potential to fulfil societal needs for flexible energy harvesting materials, low-power neuromorphic computing, smart textiles, and self-powered patches for healthcare. This project is an exciting opportunity to realise these new materials as part of a recently awarded £7M programme of research bringing together a world-leading team in molecular electronics.

This position will be based in the research group of Prof. Nicholas Long in the Chemistry Department, White City Campus

(https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/n.long and https://www.imperial.ac.uk/long-group/).

The work will involve a range of synthetic organometallic chemistry techniques and working with a Schlenk line, as well as spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation. Target molecules to be synthesised will feature combinations of ferrocene derivatives, transition metals, metal-alkynes and macrocycles such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines. The resulting molecular structures will develop our fundamental understanding of quantum behaviour and molecular interactions at the atomic scale, and ultimately, provide new routes for developing nanoscale molecular electronic devices in collaboration with our partners at the Universities of Lancaster, Oxford and Liverpool.

The role is to provide specialist expertise as a chemist and to perform a range of synthetic inorganic, organic and organometallic chemistry within the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College.  New compounds will be fully characterised by a range of spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry and then send off for in-depth materials testing and evaluation via collaborators at Lancaster, Oxford and Liverpool Universities.

Example publications: Chemical Science, 2022, 13, 8380-8387. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC00861K; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2020, 142, 8555-8560. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jacs.9b13578

What you would be doing

The project is looking for someone with a range of synthetic chemistry (inorganic, organic, organometallic) and ideally, some insight into materials chemistry and in particular, thermoelectric and/or memristive materials. This role will encompass varied responsibilities, including work on a wide range of collaborative projects. 

• You will develop new chemistry and organic- and organometallic-based compounds, with redox, thermoelectric, switchable and/or memristive properties.
• You will be expected not only to perform projects within their specific remit but also to provide training, assistance and advice to other workers and collaborators. In particular, you will advise, support and train internal staff and students in the design and execution of experiments relating to novel synthetic methods, catalysis and redox-actie compounds.
• You will be expected to use constructively a high degree of autonomy, and will pro-actively initiate collaborations, take responsibility for initiating and leading projects in association with PIs, making prioritisation decisions, lead the preparation of applications for grants to support further development of new projects, etc.

Essential requirements

• PhD in synthetic inorganic, organic or organometallic chemistry.
• Experience in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry.
• Experience in organometallic chemistry.
• Experience in spectroscopic analysis and cyclic voltammetry.
• Practical experience within a research environment and publication in relevant and refereed journals.
• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses.
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature.
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts.
• Creative approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication.

Desirable requirements

• Experience in aspects of thermoelectric or memristive materials design.
• Experience in materials chemistry.

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