Postdoctoral Research Associate In Chemistry

About the role We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a research team to study microstructured reaction environments at University College London. You will characterise how simple geochemical phenomena e.g. mineral precipitation and freezing can a) establish structured media to compartmentalise macromolecules, and b) facilitate key molecular life processes. You will collaborate within the Attwater research group, within UCL more widely, and externally, to explore the importance of these microstructured environments in models of the origins of life. Using a multidisciplinary approach to construct and characterise model systems – touching on mineralogy, molecular biology and electron microscopy – you will construct models of minimal biology to better define the range of environments that could support life on the early Earth and on other planetary bodies. This postdoctoral position is available to start from the 1st April 2024, and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and the Royal Society for 24 months in the first instance, with specific funding opportunities available to extend this. Please note, appointment at Grade 7 (salary £42,099 - £50,858 per annum, including London Allowance) is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332- £39,880 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,000 p.a.) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. About you You will hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Chemistry, Earth Sciences or a related discipline, and demonstrate experience in analysis/design of multicomponent reaction systems, and familiarity with aqueous chemical processes. Familiarity with phase transformations or freeze-fracture/scanning electron microscopy is desirable. A full job description and Person Specification can be accessed by clicking 'Apply'. To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply’ button above. Please include a CV, a list of publications, and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position with your application. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • Immigration loan • Relocation scheme for certain posts • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance  Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.