Postdoctoral Research Associate in Homogeneous Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Working at Durham University

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other.

As one of the UK's leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University; it is also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

The Role and Department

You will be working as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in the young and enthusiastic Franchino group, within the Department of Chemistry at Durham University. The post is available for 3 years, including a 1-year probation period, ideally starting in May 2025 (flexibility is possible). The salary is grade 7, spine point 32 (£40,247 per year before taxes).

Durham University, in the North of England, is a world top 100 university (QS World University Rankings 2025) with a global reputation for teaching and research. Our Chemistry degree is among the best ones in the UK (5th in the Complete University Guide 2024, 10th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, and 11th in the Guardian University Guide 2024).

The Franchino laboratory is currently undergoing a floor-to-ceiling refurbishment to the highest standards, so you will be able to work in a shiny, efficient and modern environment from day one. Alongside standard equipment for synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, the Franchino lab benefits from dedicated, brand new glovebox, HPLC instrument and microwave synthesizer.

The Role

As a PDRA in the Franchino group, you will be pursuing ground-breaking research merging metal and organocatalysis, to develop new strategies for the stereoselective synthesis of organic molecules.

Your project is funded by a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF, 1.7m € in total) recently awarded to the PI, entitled "ChloroCat: Unlocking metal-chloride bonds for data-driven stereoselective catalysis". In this project, you will design, prepare and test (chiral) organocatalysts capable of engaging with common metal halide (pre)catalysts via non-covalent interactions, using an anion-binding approach. These binary catalytic systems will then be screened combinatorially in several reactions, including with a high-throughput experimentation (HTE) setup, to achieve increased rate, unusual regio- and stereoselectivity and/or unprecedented levels of enantiocontrol.

Your key responsibilities are outlined in detail in the section below. You will cooperate with all group members, train younger students and behave as a positive role model for the Franchino group, setting a supportive group culture rooted in research integrity.

Key responsibilities:

• To conduct research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).
• To plan and manage your research activity effectively.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives.
• To work with the PI and other colleagues in the research group.
• To assist with the development of research projects and proposals.
• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research activities.
• To prepare high-quality outputs, including reports and papers.
• To participate regularly in research group meetings.
• To liaise with departmental and university support units.
• To be involved in student supervision in the context of the research group.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches.
• To engage in continuing professional development.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial, supportive and respectful working environment.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1. A good first degree in Chemistry or a closely related subject.
2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Chemistry or a closely related subject.

Experience

1. Experience in conducting high-quality academic research in organic chemistry.
2. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
3. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national and/or international conferences.

Skills

1. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
2. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, you must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below.

Submitting your application

• A CV (maximum 5 A4 pages).
• A cover letter (maximum 2 A4 pages).
• Contact details of 3 referees.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries
Dr Allegra Franchino, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
allegra.franchino@durham.ac.uk

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person.