Research Fellow - Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Full Time Fixed Term for 3 Years

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to work in the group of Dr Jonathan George for a period of up to 3 years, funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The position will be based at the University of Southampton, one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities. Chemistry at Southampton has a national and international reputation for excellence with world-leading facilities.

Applicants must hold a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry (or be close to completion), or have equivalent professional qualifications and experience. Strong expertise in organic synthesis is required, including multi-step synthesis, reaction optimisation, purification and structural characterisation. Experience in total synthesis, catalysis, photochemistry and/or mechanistic studies would be advantageous. You should have an excellent work ethic, strong problem solving skills and enthusiasm for achieving the project aims. You will also contribute to the general running and maintenance of the laboratory.

The project will focus on the biomimetic synthesis of complex natural products, particularly meroterpenoids, using cascade reactions inspired by biosynthetic pathways. The research will explore how simple precursors can be converted rapidly into structurally complex molecules through dearomatisation, rearrangement and cycloaddition chemistry. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing new reactions based on the inherent reactivity of proposed biosynthetic intermediates, combining total synthesis with reaction discovery and mechanistic investigation.

You will join the George Group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton. The project will provide advanced training in synthetic organic chemistry and structural characterisation, with opportunities to interact with collaborators in computational chemistry, natural product isolation and biosynthesis. You will be encouraged to present your research at national and international conferences, contribute to publications arising from the project, and develop mentoring and leadership skills within the research group.

Recent work relevant to the project includes:

• T. V. de Castro et al., “A Bioinspired, One-Step Total Synthesis of Peshawaraquinone,” Chem. Sci. 2023, 14, 950. 
• S. A. French et al., “Total Synthesis of Atrachinenins A and B,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 22844. 
• L. J. Franov et al., “Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Erectones A and B, and the Revised Structure of Hyperelodione D,” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202200420. 
• J. H. George, “Biomimetic Dearomatization Strategies in the Total Synthesis of Meroterpenoid Natural Products,” Acc. Chem. Res. 2021, 54, 1843. 

Further information about our research can be found on the group website: https://jonathangeorgeblog.wordpress.com/ 

For informal enquiries contact Dr Jonathan George: jonathan.george@southampton.ac.uk 

Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage but will be requested if you are shortlisted for interview. Interviews are due to be held in November 2026.

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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