POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN CHEMISTRY (FLOW PROCESSES)

A post-doctoral research associate (PDRA) position is available in the Department of Chemistry of the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Liverpool.

You will deliver a collaborative project funded by Victrex Manufacturing Ltd. The 18-month project will explore flow processes to improve the efficiency and selectivity of chemistry currently carried out in batch on the 2000-3000 tonne/year scale in Victrex¿s production facilities. This is the ideal position for a candidate looking to work on applied chemistry in close partnership with industry, who is motivated by their work finding real-world use. It would particularly suit those considering future careers in industrial research, or research in partnership with industry.

This project will partner with Victrex to improve the efficiency of one of their processes, targeting improved yield, lower use of feedstocks that negatively impact the environment, and reduced waste production. We have identified a flow process that performs well at lab-scale and has the potential for significant energy and waste savings, with large potential benefits in terms of sustainability and efficiency.This post is key to answer the remaining questions to justify pilot-plant scale investment.

We¿re looking for a candidate that has obtained (or is close to obtaining) a PhD in Chemistry. Experience in synthetic chemistry and flow chemistry is essential; process chemistry, experience in building custom flow chemistry equipment, and/or industrial flow experience are desirable. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience of using flow to improve the safe handling of hazardous intermediates or reagents. The PDRA will join an interdisciplinary team that has experience in chemical synthesis, organic materials, self-assembly, instrument development, and supramolecular chemistry.

The position is available as soon as possible and is available until 31 May 2025.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award. 

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received