Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Fielden Research Group, to develop innovative approaches for synthesizing mechanically interlocked polymers. The project sits at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, polymer chemistry, and organic synthesis, combining molecular design with advanced polymer architectures to create precisely controlled nanoscale materials with applications across soft matter, nanotechnology, and materials science.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to the design and execution of a research programme at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and polymer science.
• Prepare, characterise, and investigate interlocked nanoscale assemblies formed through polymerisation, using appropriate spectroscopic, microscopic, and analytical techniques.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, developing new intellectual understanding of structure–function relationships in molecular and nanoscale systems.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding and other competitive grant applications.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings through high-quality publications, conference presentations, seminars, and outreach activities.
• Contribute to the development of new models, techniques, and experimental methods within the research programme.
• Collect research data through a variety of methods, including synthetic experimentation, self-assembly studies, and literature-based analysis.
• Supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate researchers where appropriate.
• Undertake research-related management and administrative activities, including record keeping, reporting, and compliance with safety and governance requirements.
• Contribute to departmental and school research activities, meetings, and research-related administration.
• Contribute, where appropriate, to enterprise, collaborative, or public engagement activities that enhance the impact of the research programme.
• Identify and address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, developing practical solutions in collaboration with the research team.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline (or thesis submitted prior to appointment).
• Demonstrable expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including the design, synthesis, and characterisation of complex organic molecules.
• Demonstrable expertise in the preparation and characterisation of nanoscale assemblies formed through covalent or supramolecular polymerisation.
• Demonstrable expertise in the quantitative analysis of chemical systems, including physical organic chemistry approaches such as kinetic modelling and mechanistic investigation.
• A strong academic publication record appropriate to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Ability to design, plan, and deliver high-quality research with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ability to prepare grant applications to facilitate research.
• Strong problem-solving skills, scientific creativity, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present research to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work effectively both on their own and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

Informal enquiries to Stephen Fielden, email: s.fielden@bham.ac.uk

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Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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