PDRA in Functional Organic Materials

Role Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in functional organic materials, conducting research supervised by Dr Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro in the Department of Chemistry. This fixed-term position is funded by the Royal Society via a Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship entitled, ‘Multi-dimensionally conjugated supra(macro)molecular materials.’ The post holder will synthesise redox-active π-electron acceptors featuring topologically non-planar and three-dimensionally conjugated structures (e.g., helicenes, macrocycles) to investigate their fundamental structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical and magnetic (aromaticity) properties with an eye towards exploring their potential for organic electronic devices, including rechargeable batteries. 

Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. 

Role

The position will suit a candidate with a background in synthetic chemistry and expertise in multistep synthesis and/or functionalisation of n-type organic electroactive molecules, such as aromatic diimides and other functional polyaromatic systems. Experience in at least one of the following skills to characterise structural dynamics, molecular recognition processes and electronic/magnetic phenomena would be beneficial, but not all essential: DFT modelling, various spectroscopies (photospectroscopy, NMR, EPR) or electrochemical techniques. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide expert guidance and training of researchers engaged in other projects in the Avestro group, and to contribute to the conception, writing and publishing of high-quality manuscripts and other forms of scientific dissemination, such as at research conferences.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in Chemistry or related subject, PhD in synthetic chemistry or functional organic materials (or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment)

• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience. Ability to write up research work for publication in high-profile journals; develop ambitious yet realistic research objectives, novel projects and proposals for own and collaborative research. 

• Experience carrying out both independent and collaborative research; writing up research work for publication; working as part of a team as well as independently to maintain good momentum towards joint and individual research goals. 

• Experience of mentoring, training and motivating other students and staff. 

• Ideally experience in a complementary range of research techniques (electrochemistry, modelling, spectroscopy) to advance high-level research concerning electroactive organic molecules

• Committed to participating and contributing to a supportive, inclusive and egalitarian working culture via the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro by email (alyssa-jennifer.avestro@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork