Research Assistant: Supramolecular Chemistry (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a research assistant to work with Professor Christopher Hunter in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge to work on a programme to develop new approaches to template synthesis. The appointee will join a multidisciplinary team of several post-docs and PhD students based in Cambridge combining expertise in supramolecular chemistry, organic synthesis, polymer chemistry and computational chemistry.

The aim is to develop molecular systems that are capable of high fidelity template replication of molecular information. The project will involve synthesis of oligomeric templates, and the development of reliable chemistry for using these systems in templating processes. Relatively simple building blocks will be used so that a range of different strategies can be explored. The role will involve organic synthesis of the building blocks and templates; characterisation of the three-dimensional structures of adducts; reaction optimisation of template processes; kinetic/mechanistic analysis of reaction pathways.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) an MSc or equivalent qualification in chemistry. Experience in some or all of organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and physical organic chemistry is required. The appointees will be expected to give oral presentations on their work, write internal reports and produce draft publications, and relevant communication skills are required.

Click the Apply button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For queries regarding applying online for this post, please contact Dr M Cristina Misuraca (e-mail:herchelsmith.orgchem@ch.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA49591 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

• Department/location: Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry
• Salary: £33,002-£35,608
• Reference: MA49591
• Category: Research
• Date published: 30 April 2026
• Closing date: 14 May 2026

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