"Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry (OxEarth)"

Applications are invited for the post of Associate Professor in Inorganic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford. This post is offered in association with a tutorial fellowship at University College and forms part of the new Oxford Earth (OxEARTH) initiative, which is dedicated to tackling the critical challenges of sustainable natural resource management. We are seeking to appoint in an area of innovative inorganic chemistry that complements existing faculty, and are particularly interested in candidates at the forefront of developing new approaches in (and applications of) coordination chemistry. This includes, for example, research programs offering new breakthroughs in the broad areas of sustainable extraction, separation, and/or recycling/remediation/repurposing of critical elements.

The successful candidate will hold a doctorate in inorganic chemistry or a related field, and have a proven track record (or show outstanding promise) of high-quality research and publication at an internationally excellent standard. Evidence of imaginative research plans and the potential to initiate, lead and manage new research initiatives in the Department and the wider University (including through the OxEarth programme) are also expected. The successful candidate will additionally be appointed to a tutorial fellowship at University College, under arrangements described in the Job Description and Selection Criteria. They should be able to demonstrate excellence (or the potential for excellence) in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in the administration of the subject and in the wider life and governance of the College.

The appointment will be initially for 5 years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the postholder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age. Our staff and students come from all over the world and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. The Department has held an Athena SWAN Silver Award since September 2015 in recognition of its commitment to addressing gender inequalities, to tackling the unequal representation of women in science, and to improving career progression for female academics. We have a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working, and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive interview process and will reimburse up to £250 towards any additional care costs (for a dependent child or adult) incurred as a result of attending an interview for this position.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QR and University College, Oxford High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BH. The combined University and College salary will be according to experience on a scale from £57,986 - £77,366 p.a. Benefits of the Fellowship at University College include a housing allowance of £13,956 p.a. An allowance of £3,199 p.a. would be payable upon award of Full Professor title.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on 13th March 2026 and which conform to the 10-page limit will be considered. Online initial interviews are likely to take place in early April 2026; short-listed candidates will then be invited to interview in Oxford in late April/early May 2026. The anticipated start date is 1st January 2027.

If you would like to discuss this post and find out more about joining the academic community at Oxford, please contact Mrs Katherine Hayes, PA to the Head of Inorganic Chemistry, Professor Simon Aldridge, email: katherine.hayes@chem.ox.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0)1865 272646. For informal enquiries about the College side of the role, please contact Dr Andrew Bell, Senior Tutor at University College (andrew.bell@univ.ox.ac.uk). All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.