Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Fielden Research Group, www.fieldengroup.net, to develop innovative approaches for synthesising mechanically interlocked polymers. The project sits at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry and organic synthesis, combining molecular design with advanced polymer architectures to create precisely controlled nanoscale materials with applications across soft matter, nanotechnology and materials science. 

This position is available on a fixed-term basis for 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of further funding.

Description of the Group 

The Fielden Research Group is a recently established and rapidly growing research group whose interests lie at the interface of molecular science and nanotechnology. Our research combines synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and polymer chemistry to develop programmable nanoscale materials with precisely controlled structure and function. We are a collaborative and inclusive team, offering researchers the opportunity to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries while developing expertise in cutting-edge areas of chemistry and materials science. The group provides a supportive, inclusive and collaborative research environment in which researchers are encouraged to develop scientific independence while working closely with colleagues and external collaborators.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to the design and execution of a research programme at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and polymer science.
• Prepare, characterise and investigate interlocked nanoscale assemblies formed through polymerisation, using appropriate spectroscopic, microscopic and analytical techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, developing new intellectual understanding of structure–function relationships in molecular and nanoscale systems.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline (or thesis submitted prior to appointment).
• Demonstrable expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including the design, synthesis and characterisation of complex organic molecules.
• Demonstrable expertise in the preparation and characterisation of nanoscale assemblies formed through covalent or supramolecular polymerisation.
• Demonstrable expertise in the quantitative analysis of chemical systems, including physical organic chemistry approaches such as kinetic modelling and mechanistic investigation.
• A strong academic publication record appropriate to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Ability to design, plan and deliver high-quality research with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong problem-solving skills, scientific creativity and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present research to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively both on their own and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Stephen Fielden, s.fielden@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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