15 Oct
University of Bath
Bath
About the role
An EPSRC-funded postdoctoral research position is available in the area of computational analysis of complex reaction mechanisms, within the group of Dr Claire McMullin at the University of Bath.
This project is part of a collaboration based at the University of Bath on "Molecular s-block Assemblies for Redox-active Bond Activation and Catalysis: Repurposing the s-block as 3d-elements" with Professor Michael Hill (inorganic synthesis) and Dr Claire McMullin (inorganic computational).
The computational research programme will support the inorganic synthetic Chemists as they explore the reactivity of unique tetrametallic alkali-metal/alkali-earth-metal complexes.
This work builds upon the recent discovery from Hill et al.
(J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 17851; DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09467), and the subsequent publications (Angewandte Chemie 2023, 62, e2022136; DOI: 10.1002/anie.202213670 and Chem. Commun. 2023, 59, 3846; DOI: 10.1039/D3CC007010C).
The post holder will form part of an inorganic/computational team focused on studying, understanding and potentially devising new systems to further explore the redox nature of both the group 1 and group 2 metals within this tetrametallic system.
This position will focus on the application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to map the mechanisms of the inorganic species, rationalising observed reactivity and predicting the viability of further synthesis.
Detailed electronic structure calculations will also be required, using software packages such as NBO7, AIMAll and ORCA.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD, ideally in inorganic computational chemistry, and have experience calculating organometallic reaction mechanisms with DFT methods,
as well as a track record of peer-reviewed publications.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
Additional information
This post is available on a full-time, fixed-term basis until 30/09/2026.
Applications are submitted through the University of Bath online application form.
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Claire McMullin by emailing [email protected].
The role will be based in the Department of Chemistry, working closely with the project's synthetic counterparts.
Calculations will be completed using the University's High Performance Computing Facility, called Anatra.
Interviews are scheduled for 2nd and 3rd December 2024.
What we can offer you:
- a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
- generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
- an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
- a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.
Find out more about our benefits.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives,
and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.
Closing Date: 11 Nov 2024
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £37,999 to £45,163
▶️ Research Associate (fixed-term)
🖊️ University of Bath
📍 Bath