Salary range : £36,024 – restricted due to funding
FTE : 1.0 or Part time to a minimum of 0.7 FTE may be considered
Term : Fixed (12 months)
Closing date : 27/05/2024
The Project: Homogeneous nickel catalysis offers many potential advantages to synthetic chemists by extending the range of reactions that can be performed and the feedstocks that can be used. However, many such reactions require forcing conditions such as high catalyst and ligand loadings, high temperatures, and long reaction times. This project is a collaboration between researchers in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC) and the CMAC medicines manufacturing research centre at the University of Strathclyde, and colleagues at Eli Lilly in Indianapolis (Indiana, USA). The aim of the project is to understand whether better control of heat transfer and other process parameters can overcome some of the limitations of nickel-catalysed reactions that are presently performed in batch reactions. The project is funded by the Lilly Research Award Programme for twelve months in the first instance, with the possibility of a three-month extension subject to satisfactory progress. It would also be possible to hold this position on a part-time basis (minimum 0.7 FTE due to the fixed maximum project duration) and we would be pleased to discuss this during the interview process.
The Role: Under the general guidance of Dr David Nelson (PAC) and Dr Cameron Brown (CMAC), you will play a lead role in the delivery of laboratory work on this project, working both individually and in collaboration with other researchers within the University or at Eli Lilly. There are opportunities to benefit from free in-house training and professional development, such as our PGCert/PGDip programmes in researcher development that are delivered by our Organisational and Staff Development Unit.
To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, such as organic synthesis, catalysis, or chemical engineering (with significant chemistry content), or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in catalysis by transition metals and the use of enabling technologies such as flow chemistry and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals.
While a Research Associate is ideally sought for this position, applications are welcome from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level (RS06 salary scale £31,396- £34,980) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post. This will continue until the PhD award is confirmed, at which point the duties and grade will be revised accordingly.
The Institution. The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry hosts ca. 40 academic staff and has research strengths in Catalysis and Synthesis, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Materials and Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Bionanotechnology, and Forensic Science. Research facilities include a well-equipped NMR suite with four spectrometers (400 – 600 MHz), and an open-access analytical suite with equipment including GC-FID, GC-MS, and LC-MS. CMAC is an internationally leading medicines manufacturing research centre with a unique configuration of academic research, applied, and pre-competitive programs. Working in partnership with Tier 1, Tier 2, academic, and innovation partners, CMAC's goal is to transform Medicines Development, Manufacture & Supply, and further grow its pipeline of world-class multi-disciplinary collaborative research.
Formal interviews for this post will be held in June 2024.
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr David Nelson, Reader in Chemistry (david.nelson@strath.ac.uk). Applications must be submitted using the University portal and cannot be accepted by email.