Overview
Applicants are invited for a three-year research associate position within the Crimmin Research Group at Imperial College. This role will be held at our state-of-the-art laboratories in the Molecular Science Research Hub building in west London. You will work alongside a dynamic team of researchers that span synthetic chemistry and computational modelling.
Catalytic hydrogenation processes typically rely on expensive, toxic, and limited supply elements such as Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt. Replacing these elements with more sustainable and widely available alternatives is crucial for the future of the catalysis sector. Our team recently described a breakthrough discovery in selective catalytic hydrogenation using a simple and cost-effective homogeneous catalyst based on zinc (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145,7667).
In this project, we aim to develop next generation zinc catalysts for selective hydrogenation. Using aspects of automation and high-throughput chemistry, we aim to develop a detailed understanding of mechanism and structure-activity relationships in zinc hydrogenation catalysis, constructing a knowledge base that will inform catalyst design. Our aim is to develop catalytic technologies that meet the requirements for commercial applications, allowing translation of our discovery from the lab into the UK fine chemicals manufacturing sector.
Further details about the group including our research interests, publications, group members, and outreach activities can be found here on our website: crimmingroup.org.
What you would be doing
Your key duties and responsibilities will be (i) the undertaking of original research, (ii) mentorship of more junior lab members, (iii) contribution to manuscripts and research proposals based on your research, and (iv) supporting and developing a safe, friendly, and supportive research environment with the research team.
What we are looking for
- Applicants should hold or near completion of a PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication in international scientific journals.
- Applicants will have experience with synthetic chemistry, including organic methodology.
- Applicants will have experience with a range of analytical methods such as multinuclear NMR, infrared and UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and mass spectrometry.
- Experience using computational methods (DFT) and physical chemistry (kinetics) to carry out mechanistic analysis of chemical reactions is desired, though not essential.
What we can offer you
- The chance to work closely with a team of research scientists with the collective aim of improving sustainability in the fluorochemicals sector.
- Training to support strengthening of your CV in areas of computational and experiment research.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for progression.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will initially be appointed as Research Assistant.
The Chemistry Department at Imperial College London holds a Gold Athena Swan award holder.
Please complete an application form as directed, also providing a CV.
Should you have any queries about the role please contact: Prof. Mark R. Crimmin, m.crimmin@imperial.ac.uk
Available documents
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don’t hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We’re here to help.
