Research Associate

Role Description

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Associate in Time-Resolved Electron Diffraction to join Dr Derek Wann’s group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York, UK. This full-time position is available for up to 30 months in support of Dr Wann’s tenure as Head of Department. It is hoped that the successful applicant can use the position as a springboard to applying for further funding either independently or collaboratively. 

Department

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest and most successful departments at York and we are renowned internationally for our research. As a Department, we strive to provide a working environment that allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena Swan Gold Award.

Role

This position has been created to support Dr Derek Wann while he is Head of Department. The role will see some freedom to design a project to the research associate’s previous experience and future academic ambitions. An ideal candidate would be a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in some of the following: the handling and manipulation of gases, working with moderately high vacuum, use of class 4 lasers, and working with high-energy electrons. Experience of quantum chemical modelling, programming, and automation of experiments may also come in useful. Developing a strand of research to incorporate spectroscopic studies in parallel to the existing diffraction experiments is one direction in which this project might be taken. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will: 

• have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry or Physics or a related subject and PhD in time-resolved structure determination
• have knowledge of, and experience in, some of the following: handling and manipulation of gases, working with moderately high vacuums, use of class 4 lasers, and working with high-energy electrons, quantum chemical modelling, programming, and automation of experiments 
• 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: Interviews will likely be held in person in York in early September 2026

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Derek Wann on derek.wann@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

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.