Postdoctoral Research Associate in Hyperpolarization Development

Role Description

An exciting opportunity exists for two highly motivated Research Associates to join Professor Simon Duckett's internationally renowned group at the Centre for Hyperpolarisation within the Department of Chemistry at the University of York. These full-time positions are available for 24 months in the first instance, supporting the ambitious MAGNIFY research project, Magnifying NMR Signals with "Magnetization Batteries", funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the European Research Council Guarantee scheme.

Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. 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: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/. 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. Further information can be found on our website: www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/

Role

The MAGNIFY project aims to revolutionize analytical capabilities by significantly improving NMR's ability to analyse materials. While parahydrogen has been highly successful in enhancing NMR signals through processes like Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE), its inherent reactivity limits broader application. We are developing a groundbreaking approach: the "magnetization battery."

You will join our team at the forefront of NMR enhancement, where we're creating stable materials designed to store hyperpolarisation from parahydrogen, much like a battery stores charge. This programme uniquely links advanced NMR theory with innovative sample handling instrumentation to enable optimal magnetisation transfer between species. The successful candidates will thrive as part of a collaborative team, assisting with the supervision of other researchers in the group.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will:

• have an undergraduate degree and PhD in chemistry with knowledge of instrument design and a strong background in NMR theory and ability to apply it to hyperpolarisation or equivalent experience

• be skilled in Magnetic Resonance and data collection and have experience working with chemical systems

• have highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide ranging audience, both orally and in writing; demonstrated ability to write up research work for publication; ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative; ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Simon Ducket on simon.duckett@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