Career Opportunities at Queen's

We seek an enthusiastic, talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Knipe Group (www.knipechem.co.uk) at Queen’s University Belfast to work on an EPSRC-funded project: Atropisomerism as an Enabling Technology for Foldamers.

This research programme aims to develop a new class of artificial oligomers – atropisomeric foldamers – in which molecular conformation is controlled through stereogenic axes formed during synthesis by asymmetric catalysis. The successful applicant will design, synthesise, and characterise these molecules, building on novel catalyst-controlled methods to generate complex conformational architectures relevant to sensing, catalysis, and materials science.

Successful applicants will have responsibilities in designing, running and analysing synthetic chemistry reactions and experiments, conducting detailed structural and conformational characterisation using a range of techniques, writing research and review articles and supervising junior lab members.

The role is ideally suited to an organic chemist with a strong background in asymmetric catalysis, foldamer chemistry or supramolecular synthesis.

About the person:

The role requires candidates with a strong academic background and proven research expertise.

• Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in chemistry or a closely related discipline and;
• Should have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in organic chemistry.
• Key research experience is expected in asymmetric/enantioselective synthesis, synthetic method development, and in the characterisation of complex molecules using analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy.
• Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a research team, contribute to project development, and maintain a strong publication record.

Additional desirable experience includes:

• Research in foldamer chemistry or atroposelective synthesis, applying advanced NMR methods to study molecular dynamics or conformations, and a track record in preparing funding applications.
• Beyond research, candidates must be able to manage and administer research activities, supervise colleagues, and apply practical problem-solving, initiative, and independence. Strong organisational skills, including the ability to assess and allocate resources, are essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English is required, alongside the ability to build internal and external collaborations. A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to travel for conferences and collaborations are also expected.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/diversity.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application - http://go.qub.ac.uk/internationalstaffsupport.

Candidate Information