Job description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to work as part of a team on a project entitled "Cyclobutadiene Reloaded: A Generally Applicable Approach to Four-Membered Heterocycles", which is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and led by Dr Susannah Coote (University of Bath) in collaboration with Key Organics. This is a fixed-term position for 36 months. About the role: Four-membered heterocycles (e.g. oxetanes, azetidines, thietanes and their derivatives) are highly sought after in medicinal chemistry, but many are difficult to access, especially when particular substituted patterns are required. As a Research Associate, you will help lead the research of an enthusiastic team of chemists, by developing methodology for the synthesis of highly substituted four-membered heterocycles (including spirocyclic versions) that is applicable across the range of four-membered heterocycle families, using cyclobutadiene as a powerful but so far under-exploited reagent. You will perform both individual and collaborative research projects, develop new ideas and liaise regularly with Key Organics to identify new interesting heterocyclic targets. You will write up research results for publication in leading scientific journals, and will have the opportunity to present your results at internal and external seminar and conferences. You will also have the opportunity to supervise student projects, be involved in departmental teaching activities and engage in continuous professional development. More information about our research can be found on the Coote group website (https://susannahcoote.wordpress.com). Informal enquiries about the position are welcome and can be made to Dr Susannah Coote (scc98@bath.ac.uk). About you: We are looking for a highly motivated individual to work within our research team. You must hold a PhD in organic chemistry, and have practical experience of synthesis and/or catalytic methods as well as an interest in medicinal chemistry/drug discovery. You will be responsible for planning and performing your own research activities and will be expected to take an active role in supporting PhD and undergraduate research students within the laboratory. You should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work as part of a team and discuss your work with a range of audiences. You should have experience of scientific writing and a breadth of background knowledge in organic synthesis. What we can offer you: a very generous employer contributory pension scheme generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan. We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected & encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, & backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees & students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.