Research Assistant/ Associate (Chemistry)

Salary:

Research Assistant: £32,296 to £33,882 per annum

Research Associate: £34,866 to £45,163 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 25 November 2024

The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work in the group of Dr Roly Armstrong in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University on a project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). 

Working as part of a team of chemists in the Armstrong group, situated in state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories in the Bedson building at Newcastle University on a project funded by EPSRC on the stereoselective synthesis of medicinally relevant C–N atropisomeric molecules. 

You should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, ideally with a focus on developing new methodology. You will be expected to present their work through oral presentations, write internal reports, and contribute to draft publications, requiring strong communication skills. In addition to conducting your research, you will take on some responsibility for training and supervising postgraduate and undergraduate research students, as well as assisting with the day-to-day management of the laboratory.

The project involves the development of new synthetic methodology for the stereocontrolled synthesis of biologically relevant C–N atropisomeric amides. Amides are widespread in drug discovery and pharmaceuticals, and the design and application of new axially chiral analogues is a current hot topic in organic chemistry. This project will build upon our recent studies in this area (see here for more details) to develop efficient new synthetic methodology to prepare such molecules. In particular, the focus will be upon developing new catalytic approaches for the synthesis of atropisomeric analogues of peptides (arguably the most important nitrogen-containing motif in the natural world) employing modern catalytic methods to control their stereochemistry. 

The School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University is a world-leading centre of research excellence, delivering impact to society from our local area to all corners of the planet. Our school provides a distinctive breadth of subjects and specialisms and our ground-breaking research has led to a wide range of exciting discoveries from new treatments for ovarian cancer to the development of pest-resistant crops.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

For more information about research within the School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University, please see here. 

For more information on Newcastle University’s Chemistry discipline, please see here.

We are looking for candidates who can commence on  1st Jan 2025. 

To apply, please provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in ‘The Person’ by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Roly Armstrong at the following email address: roly.armstrong@newcastle.ac.uk.

The role is fixed term for 36 months.

Key Accountabilities

• Synthesis of precursors required for new methods
• Reaction optimization to develop efficient synthetic methodology
• Purification and analysis of target molecules
• Regular contact with the Principal Investigator to manage workload and provide support for the effective operation of research activities, facilities, and equipment
• Working effectively as part of a team, both with internal colleagues and external partners
• Providing guidance to students on specific experimental methods and equipment and providing specialized training where required
• Presenting results through a combination of oral communication, informal presentations, and written reports
• Maintaining detailed, accurate and clear laboratory records of all experimental procedures and outcomes
• Conducting risk assessments (e.g. COSHH) and managing safety documentation in consultation with the Principal Investigator
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group and ensure the proper care and cleanliness of the laboratory
• Contribute to a positive and dynamic research culture within the School of Natural and Environmental Science and the wider University

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
Experience in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques in a leading research environment, including route design and synthetic methodology

• Expertise in characterization including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
• Experience in a research laboratory
• Experience in conducting risk assessments (e.g. COSHH) and working safely in a chemical laboratory
• Excellent communication skills (including written, verbal and oral communication) with the ability to present internally and externally
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to plan effectively

Desirable

• Experience in in the development of new methodology for organic synthesis
• A track-record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience of day-to-day laboratory supervision (e.g. PhD students, or Master’s students)
• Expertise in related areas of organic chemistry such as computational and/or mechanistic studies

Attributes and Behaviour

• Able to work independently and as part of team
• Enthusiastic, with a strong work ethic
• A strong commitment to integrating our institutional Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy into all research activities, while upholding the highest standards of dignity and respect in the workplace

Qualifications

• Have (or be about to obtain for Research Assistant level) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry
• A master’s degree in chemistry or a closely related area
   

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27737