"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry"

Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry to work under the supervision of Professor Paul McGonigal for a period of up to 2 years. The project involves synthesis of organic small molecules and investigation of their dynamics using computational modelling and advanced spectroscopic techniques. For related work from the McGonigal group, see our recent papers [1], [2], [3]. The position is funded by UKRI.

Find out more about the McGonigal research and group here.

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry or a relevant subject area, (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires experience in multistep organic synthesis and characterisation of organic materials. You will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

The post will be based in the Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford and is available as soon as possible.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (up to 3 pages), please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 5 January 2026, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.