Research Fellow (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an exciting project in lanthanide and actinide organometallic chemistry.

The successful candidate will design, synthesise, and characterise novel f-element organometallic complexes in low oxidation states, with a focus on understanding their electronic structures and magnetic properties.

You will work closely with Professor Richard Layfield, contributing to pioneering research at the interface of inorganic and physical chemistry, using advanced synthetic and analytical techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on the synthesis of new f-element organometallic compounds.
• Perform advanced air-sensitive manipulations using glovebox and Schlenk-line techniques.
• Undertake single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, from crystal growth to data refinement and publication.
• Collaborate on spectroscopic (especially NMR) and magnetic property analyses.
• Lead and support research activities involving PhD and undergraduate students.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and conference presentations.

About You

You will have (or be close to completing) a PhD in Synthetic Organometallic or Coordination Chemistry, with expertise in air-sensitive synthesis and structural characterisation.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong practical background in synthetic f-block or transition metal chemistry.
• Proven experience using glovebox and Schlenk techniques.
• Expertise in X-ray crystallography, including data collection and refinement.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and teamwork skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in ligand synthesis and NMR spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with magnetic measurements and data analysis.
• Ability to supervise junior researchers and contribute to group leadership.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences is one of the largest academic units at the University of Sussex, home to world-leading research in chemistry, biosciences, and neuroscience.

The School includes five departments — Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution, and Chemistry — and hosts the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre.

Our research excellence is reflected in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF):

• 90.6% of Biological Sciences and 84.8% of Chemistry outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• 100% of impact case studies rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• We are proud holders of a Silver Athena Swan Award, recognising our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Sussex

• Beautiful campus beside the South Downs National Park, minutes from Brighton.
• Excellent transport links (Falmer Station 5-minute walk).
• Cycle to Work scheme and other sustainable travel initiatives.
• Flexible, supportive, and inclusive working environment.
• Competitive reward and benefits package, including pension and wellbeing support.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship if appointed full-time at Grade 7.4 or above. Applicants requiring visas may also need ATAS clearance.

How to Apply

Apply via the University of Sussex vacancies page

Closing Date: 5 November 2025, 3:59 PM

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are particularly encouraged from women and candidates from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are underrepresented in STEMM disciplines.