Research Associate (584487)

Faculty of Science Developing main-group metals to mimic transition metals in homogeneous catalysis is currently a hot research topic in world chemistry. In this cutting edge project a Research Associate will join a team advancing fundamental organocaesium compounds for sustainability purposes as novel alternatives to organolithium and transition metal compunds. FTE: 1 (35 hours/week) Term: Fixed Term (36 months) Applications are invited from outstanding, highly motivated researchers for a postdoctoral vacancy (fixed term, 36 months) for a project on the "Rational Development of Organocaesium Chemistry" sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust to start on 1 April 2024.  Numerous chemicals including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and natural products are made using organolithium reagents. In 2020 the European Commission added Li to the Critical Raw Materials list for low-carbon technologies. With increasing exploitation of low-carbon technologies for a net zero emission society, demands for Li are increasing rapidly, hence the availability of organolithium reagents may become more limited in the future. For assured greater sustainability, new alternative organometallic reagents are essential. The vision, underpinned by preliminary proof of concept results, is to develop fundamental organocaesium chemistry making uni-metallic and hetero-bi-metallic compounds via rational synthetic design bringing it into the mainstream of organometallic chemistry, in both stoichiometric and catalytic applications. The successful candidate must hold a PhD (or have significant relevant experience) in organometallic, inorganic, or homogeneous catalytic chemistry, and have expertise in the synthesis and characterisation of air-sensitive organometallic compounds. Other areas of expertise relevant to the position include NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Candidates should also have a strong scientific track record as evidenced by the quality and quantity of published work, together with excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills.  Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Robert Mulvey, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry (r.e.mulvey@strath.ac.uk). Formal interviews for this post will be held in March 2024. Click here for full details