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Closing Date: 3 December 2026
The Role
We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant/Associate in the area of synthetic organic chemistry as part of a project funded by EPSRC on the synthesis and application of organosodium reagents. The successful candidate will work as part of a team of chemists in the Armstrong group, situated in state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories in the Bedson building at Newcastle University.
The successful candidate will hold, or shortly expect to achieve a PhD in synthetic organic or organometallic chemistry. Detailed knowledge and experience in synthetic chemistry and characterization of small molecules is essential. You should be capable of working independently, possess excellent time management skills, and be able to collaborate effectively as part of a team, working both with internal colleagues and external partners.
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf . These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
For more information about research within the School of Natural and Environmental Science at Newcastle University, please see here .
For more information on Newcastle University’s Chemistry discipline, please see here .
Contact for the post is roly.armstrong@newcastle.ac.uk
Duration of post is until 31 July 2029
To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.
Key Accountabilities
Research Assistant
Reaction optimization to develop efficient synthetic methodology.
Regular contact with the Principal Investigator to manage workload and provide support for the effective operation and maintenance of research activities, facilities, and equipment.
Working effectively as part of a team, both with internal colleagues and external partners.
Providing guidance to students on specific experimental methods and equipment and providing specialized training where required.
Maintaining detailed, accurate and clear laboratory records of all experimental procedures and outcomes.
Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.
Research Associate
Reaction optimization to develop efficient synthetic methodology.
Regular contact with the Principal Investigator to manage workload and provide support for the effective operation and maintenance of research activities, facilities, and equipment.
Working effectively as part of a team, both with internal colleagues and external partners.
Providing guidance to students on specific experimental methods and equipment and providing specialized training where required.
Maintaining detailed, accurate and clear laboratory records of all experimental procedures and outcomes.
Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.
Determine appropriate methodologies for research.
Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Research Assistant
Experience in modern synthetic organic and/or organometallic chemistry techniques in a leading research environment.
Expertise in characterization including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Experience in conducting risk assessments (e.g. COSHH) and working safely in a chemical laboratory.
Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.
In addition for Research Associate
Awareness of the research environment
High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications
Attributes and Behaviour
Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
Commitment to continued professional development
Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity
Qualifications
Research Assistant
Honours degree in chemistry or a closely related area
In addition for Research Associate
PhD in synthetic organic or organometallic chemistry
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 29942
Research
Pension
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