The University of Manchester
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catalysis and Machine Learning

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Postdoctoral Research Associate
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for outstanding and ambitious researchers to join Prof. Igor Larrosa’s team at the University of Manchester, working on Catalysis, Organometallic, Organic Chemistry and Machine Learning for a period of up to 24 months.
The project, funded by EPSRC, will involve exploring the use of machine learning to develop new tools for investigating catalytic reaction mechanisms, with a focus on homogeneous catalytic processes of interest in organic chemistry. This collaborative project with the Bures group (ICIQ) will build on proof-of-principle work published in Nature 2023, 613, 689.
Overall Purpose of the Job
Find out more about the Larrosa and Bures groups at:
- https://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/igor.larrosa/home.html
- https://jordibures.wixsite.com/buresgroup
The successful candidate will have a PhD in chemistry, with a proven track record in catalysis, organic and organometallic chemistry, and mechanistic investigation. The position is full time and available for up to two years, in the first instance. Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Igor Larrosa (igor.larrosa@manchester.ac.uk)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Application Process
Applications should include a supporting statement and a CV, as part of the application. Forms and further particulars are available from our website www.manchester.ac.uk/jobs.
Equality and Diversity
The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Flexible Working
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.
Blended working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Contact Information
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
- Name: Igor Larrosa
- Email: igor.larrosa@manchester.ac.uk
General Enquiries:
Technical Support:
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London