Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in synthetic organometallic chemistry, with a focus on lanthanide and actinide chemistry.

The successful candidate will join an established research group to design, synthesise, and characterise new f-element organometallic complexes in low oxidation states, and to explore their electronic structure and magnetic properties.

This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging researcher to contribute to world-class research in a collaborative, well-equipped environment.

About You

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in synthetic organometallic or coordination chemistry and bring expertise in the synthesis and characterisation of air-sensitive compounds, including experience with glove-box and Schlenk techniques.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in synthetic organometallic/coordination chemistry
• Proven ability to handle air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
• Competence in X-ray crystallography, including crystal growth and data preparation for publication
• Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and lead small teams, including mentoring PhD and undergraduate students

Desirable:

Experience in solution-phase NMR spectroscopy

Knowledge of ligand synthesis

Interest in learning magnetic property measurements and data analysis techniques

About the School

The position is based within the School of Life Sciences, one of the largest academic units at the University of Sussex.

The School undertakes world-leading interdisciplinary research and teaching across chemistry, biomedicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, ecology, and conservation. Our researchers address key global challenges in health, sustainability, and technology through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The School includes five departments:

• Biochemistry & Biomedicine
• Genome Damage and Stability Centre
• Neuroscience
• Ecology & Evolution
• Chemistry

We also host the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre and three University Centres of Excellence: the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience, and the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF):

90.6% of Biological Sciences and 84.8% of Chemistry outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

100% of impact cases were rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

The School holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and is committed to the University’s values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and courage.

Why Work Here

The University of Sussex offers a vibrant, supportive research environment in an exceptional location:

Situated within the South Downs National Park, just minutes from Brighton.

Excellent transport links (Falmer train station and multiple bus routes).

Cycle to Work scheme and campus amenities across 150 acres of green space.

Sussex is a research-led, internationally recognised university whose success is driven by the talent and dedication of its people.

Rewards and Benefits at Sussex

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Sussex

Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility

This position meets the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, if appointed at Grade 7.4 or above.

If visa sponsorship is required, ATAS clearance may be necessary before appointment.

Please note: all work for the University must be conducted within the UK.