Postdoctoral Research Associate – Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry and Nickel Catalysis
Durham University
Durham, United Kingdom
The Department of Chemistry at Durham University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work at the cutting edge of organic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. This fixed-term research post centres on developing and testing new phosphine ligands designed to enable nickel catalysis to replace more toxic, expensive and rare metals (such as palladium) in key bond-forming reactions vital to pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis. Candidates will join a vibrant research group with access to well-equipped laboratories and high-throughput experimental facilities, and will undertake both synthetic ligand design and catalytic reaction evaluation, including mechanistic studies that contribute to sustainable catalyst development and chemical innovation.
This position offers an immersive research environment and encourages collaboration within the department and beyond, bridging fundamental organometallic chemistry with applications in catalysis and synthetic methodology.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Organometallic Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with demonstrable experience in synthetic chemistry.
Required Expertise, Skills
Successful candidates will bring:
Experience in ligand synthesis and practical organometallic chemistry techniques.
Competence in handling and characterising transition-metal complexes.
Familiarity with catalytic reaction screening and optimisation.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret experimental data within mechanistic frameworks.
Salary Details
The role is offered on a Grade 7 salary, with a typical annual rate of £38,784.
Application Deadline
Applications are reviewed until 5 March 2026.