Research Fellow - AR3313

Applications are sought for two committed Post-doctoral Research Fellows to work with Professor Andrew Smith conducting research for an EPSRC funded project entitled “Development and Applications of Photostable Lewis Base Isochalcogenourea Catalysts”.  The primary duties of the post-holders will be to carry out research in the research group of Prof Andrew Smith. You will also be expected to provide day-to-day technical assistance and guidance to undergraduate and PhD students within the group and to take an active role in leadership within the group. The successful applicants will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Organic Chemistry with expertise in synthetic methodology, photochemistry, catalytic methods or mechanistic studies.   

The posts are both available for initially for 12 months, with the possibility of extension for up to 36 months starting December 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.  

The project: Chiral tertiary amine Lewis bases such as isothioureas are proficient catalysts for a range of enantioselective transformations but are susceptible to oxidation and degradation upon treatment with excited state photocatalysts, limiting their utility. To circumvent this degradation pathway and facilitate the generation of novel dual photo-organocatalytic pathways this proposal utilises conformational constraints in catalyst design to prepare a range of photostable isochalcogenourea Lewis bases. These catalysts will be benchmarked for catalytic activity (kinetic analysis, with Ofial, LMU Munich) and enantioselectivity, with the aim to develop a series of photostable catalysts that operate effectively and are resistant to degradation. The developed family of Lewis bases will be applied in a series of challenging synthetic processes that merge photochemical processes with Lewis base catalysed enantioselective reactions.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Research Fellow includes:  

• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)   
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%   
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance   
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services   
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme     
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays   

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.  

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in Research Fellows positions at the University.

Closing Date: 17 September 2026 Interview Date: Between 30 September and 7 October 2026

Please quote ref: AR3313CM

Job Description: AR3313CM FPs.pdf

School of Chemistry 

Salary: £38,784 - £43,482 per annum

Fixed Term for 1 year with the possibility of extension for up to 3 years

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