Senior Research Associate in Photochemical Synthetic Methodology

The Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a full-time Senior Research Associate in Photochemical Synthetic Methodology to join the research group of Dr Jamie Docherty (DochertyLab.co.uk). This role is indefinite, however subject to funding, which is currently only available to a maximum date of 30.09.2028.

The project you will be working on is a new UKRI-funded project that aims to develop sustainable, light-driven catalytic methods for upgrading simple molecular feedstocks into stereochemically enriched structures with high value for healthcare and materials applications. You will join a small, collaborative team and take a leading role in reaction design, optimisation, and mechanistic investigation.

 The main duties of the role involve:

Planning, executing and analysing cutting-edge photochemical and catalytic reactions.Optimising reaction conditions, scaling promising transformations and performing full structural characterisation (NMR, MS, chiral/achiral chromatography, X-ray as needed).Designing and running mechanistic experiments to guide method development.Preparing manuscripts, presenting at conferences and contributing to project reporting.Training and supervising junior researchers and maintaining specialist photochemical equipment.

You will:

Be able to demonstrate a strong publication record in synthetic organic chemistry, with clear evidence of independent problem-solving and innovation.Be a highly motivated, organised scientist who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.Have experience of air-/moisture-sensitive techniques, catalytic or photochemical method development, and advanced spectroscopic/analytical characterisation.Be able to demonstrate competent project management and communication skills, including meticulous record-keeping, timely delivery of results and effective supervision of students.

 The Benefits of the Role

Generous holiday leave - 25 days (pro-rata) annual leave plus University closure days and bank holidays.Access to employee pension scheme, and annual flexible benefits scheme.We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Faculty, and supporting family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and research. Please see the university’s family friendly webpages to find out more - Family-friendly Lancaster - Lancaster UniversityThe university is committed to supporting the professional and career development for all staff, for instance Lancaster University’s is fully commitment to the principles of the corcordat to support the career development of researchers. This has resulted in the university receiving the HR Excellence in Research Award. 

Further information about the Department is available at: Chemistry - Lancaster University 

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Jamie Docherty (j.docherty2@lancaster.ac.uk)

Please upload a cover letter with your application.

Closing Date: 27 Aug 2025

Department: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 (Full time, indefinite with end date)