Research Assistant / Associate in Synthetic Chemistry

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant/Associate in the area of synthetic organic chemistry as part of a project funded by EPSRC on the synthesis and application of organosodium reagents. The successful candidate will work as part of a team of chemists in the Armstrong group, situated in state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories in the Bedson building at Newcastle University.

The successful candidate will hold, or shortly expect to achieve a PhD in synthetic organic or organometallic chemistry. Detailed knowledge and experience in synthetic chemistry and characterization of small molecules is essential. You should be capable of working independently, possess excellent time management skills, and be able to collaborate effectively as part of a team, working both with internal colleagues and external partners.

Duration of post is until 31 July 2029.

Key Accountabilities — Research Assistant:
- Reaction optimization to develop efficient synthetic methodology.
- Regular contact with the Principal Investigator to manage workload and provide support for the effective operation and maintenance of research activities, facilities, and equipment.
- Working effectively as part of a team, both with internal colleagues and external partners.
- Providing guidance to students on specific experimental methods and equipment and providing specialized training where required.
- Maintaining detailed, accurate and clear laboratory records of all experimental procedures and outcomes.
- Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
- Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
- Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project's dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
- Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.

Additional Accountabilities — Research Associate:
- Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research.
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
- Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience — Research Assistant:
- Experience in modern synthetic organic and/or organometallic chemistry techniques in a leading research environment.
- Expertise in characterization including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
- Experience in conducting risk assessments (e.g. COSHH) and working safely in a chemical laboratory.
- Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy.
- Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
- Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results.
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues.
- Excellent IT skills in all major office applications.
- The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.

Additional Requirements — Research Associate:
- Awareness of the research environment.
- High level of analytical and problem solving capacity.
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.
- Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications.

Attributes and Behaviour:
- Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team.
- Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines.
- Commitment to continued professional development.
- Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.

Qualifications:
- Research Assistant: Honours degree in chemistry or a closely related area.
- Research Associate (additional): PhD in synthetic organic or organometallic chemistry.

Benefits include a generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes, and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives. Newcastle University holds a Gold Athena Swan award, a Race Equality Charter Bronze award, and is a Disability Confident employer.