Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

University of Liverpool - Faculty of Science and Engineering - School of Physical Sciences - Department of Chemistry

Placed On: 9th February 2026
Closes: 27th February 2026
Job Ref: 104873

We are recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on an interdisciplinary EPSRC UK Catalysis Hub funded project focused on building kinetics-driven digital platforms for the design of sustainable organocatalysts. The project will be supervised by Dr John Ward and Professor Donna Blackmond FRS at the University of Liverpool, and Dr Alexander Ganose at Imperial College London. The project integrates synthetic organic chemistry, kinetic analysis, automation, and machine learning to establish next-generation mechanistic workflows for asymmetric organocatalysis.

The project advances state-of-the-art kinetic methodologies including Reaction Progress Kinetic Analysis (RPKA), Variable Time Normalization Analysis (VTNA), and Temperature Scanning Reaction (TSR), extending their application from classical homogeneous systems into heterogeneous covalent organic framework (COF)-based organocatalysts. The goal is to disentangle intrinsic catalytic turnover from mass-transport and surface effects while building machine-learning-ready kinetic datasets for predictive catalyst design.

You should have a PhD (or about to obtain) in Chemistry or field related to this project (Chemical Engineering).

The post is available from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2027.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 27 February 2026

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