Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral position working with Dr Euan Kay and Professor Douglas Philp on a project at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, nanochemistry and systems chemistry.

The project seeks to develop artificial reaction networks that deploy nano-sized active components. Our groups have recently established chemically responsive colloidal nanoparticles (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2015, 54, 4187; Chem. Sci. 2018, 9, 125; Chem. Sci. 2020, 11, 372; Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27, 9948, ACS Nano 2021, 15, 8295) and reaction networks constructed from artificial replicating molecules (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 17565; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 6832; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 13905). You will join a small team working across both research groups to combine these technologies to create replicating nanoparticles. These will constitute a new type of reaction- and recognition-enabled building block that will move artificial systems chemistry into the nanoscale world and beyond. 

A critical objective will be to understand these systems from the bottom up. You will utilise a suite of modern analytical methods, allied with physical–organic approaches, to study structure, interactions and reactions systematically on several length-scales. Computational methods will also be used to simulate intermolecular and inter-particle interactions and reaction network evolution. Full training in these methods will be provided as necessary.

You will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic chemistry or related subject. A strong background in synthetic and analytical aspects of at least one of supramolecular chemistry, colloidal nanomaterials or systems chemistry is required. You will have excellent communication skills and will have opportunities to present your work both internally and externally. You will also be expected to take some responsibility for day-to-day laboratory management, including supervision and training of postgraduate and undergraduate research students.

This post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Informal enquiries can be directed to: Dr Euan Kay (email: ek28@st-andrews.ac.uk;  Tel: +44 (0)1334 467284; homepage: http://kaylab.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

Please quote ref: AR2319SB

Closing Date: 22 November 2021

Further Particulars: AR2319SB FPs.doc

School of Chemistry
Salary: £34,304 - £36,382 per annum
Start: 17 January 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed term for up to 2 years