Rodeo
Get started

The University of Manchester

Research Associate in Materials Chemistry

Manchester
Posted about 23 hours ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

Research Associate

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate. A postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious researcher with a proven track record in synthetic chemistry, polymer membranes and molecular transport to undertake research in the group of Dr Ashok Keerthi at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester.

Project Overview

The project aims to produce ultra-thin polymer-based membranes and fluidic chips with polymers of intrinsic porosity (PIMs), to study molecular and ionic permeation for ionic gating, ionic memory applications, and molecular separations.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct original research and collaborate within the group and internationally as per the project needs
  • Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required
  • Conduct individual and collaborative research projects
  • Write up research work for publication
  • Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

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.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your 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 breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It 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.

See breakdown
Strong

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.

See breakdown
Strong

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.

Essential Criteria

  • A PhD (or be about to obtain) in synthetic chemistry, polymer science or membranes with experimental work in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
  • A strong publication record in internationally peer-reviewed journals and an ability to write scientific reports and contribute to writing research papers
  • Experience of working with electrochemical measurements, electrical source meters, precision electrical meters, patch-clamp amplifiers, neuromorphic measurements
  • Significant experience of nanofabrication, measurement and characterization of ultrathin membranes, 2D materials van der Waals heterostructures
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria

  • Expertise in electrochemistry
  • Experience of working in nanofluidics/membrane technologies
  • Experience in clean room micro/nanofabrication and working with 2D materials devices
  • Experience of sequencing measurements with biomolecules

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our Benefits

  • Generous employer contribution pension
  • 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
  • Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

About Us

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews

Name: Dr Ashok Keerthi

Email: ashok.keerthi@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“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

Get help applying for this job

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this