Applications are invited for a three-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) 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). This project combines these technologies to create replicating nanoparticles that will institute complex reaction networks displaying hierarchical behaviours.

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

Funded by the Leverhulme Trust, this post is available for up to three years.

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).

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall). More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

School of Chemistry
Salary: £33,797 - £35,845 per annum
Fixed Term: Up to 3 years
Start: As soon as possible