Research Associate in EPR and X-ray Spectroscopies

The University of Manchester - Science and Engineering - Department of Chemistry - School of Natural Sciences

Location:	Manchester
Salary:	£37,694 to £46,049 per annum depending on relevant experience
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	19th March 2026
Closes:	24th April 2026
Job Ref:	SAE-031025

Job reference: SAE-031025

Salary: £37,694-£46,049 per annum depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Chemistry

Hours Per Week: 1FTE

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 24/04/2026

Contract Duration: 36 months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Background

An EPSRC-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to undertake research in the field of in the field of spectroscopy, magnetism and computational studies of low oxidation state rare earth chemistry. This post is part of the project “Interdisciplinary studies of low oxidation state rare earth elements,” supervised by Profs. David Mills, Richard Winpenny, Eric McInnes, David Collison and Drs Alice Bowen, Michael Baker and Floriana Tuna at The University of Manchester. The project will involve close collaboration with our project partners Prof W. J. Evans at the Edelman Quantum Institute, University of California Irvine (USA), and Prof. F. Furche, at UCI, an expert in electronic structure calculations, and will offer opportunities for secondment to those laboratories. The successful candidate will perform EPR and X-ray spectroscopies and computational studies. They will perform such studies on series of low valent rare earth complexes with the aim of understanding the relationship between molecular structures and physical properties.

For recent publications relevant to the project see: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15000; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 22570; Nat. Commun. 2019, 10, 3330; Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 3003.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The role holder is expected to characterise the electronic structure of a series of rare earth complexes to a standard suitable for publication and to supervise other researchers in the research groups. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD qualification in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field. They should have experience in performing advanced spectroscopic and/or magnetic measurements. Experience of handling and measuring highly air-sensitive samples, and being adept at a variety of characterisation techniques and calculations, are all highly desirable. The successful candidate will be a highly capable, motivated and independent researcher who is able to manage a group of PhD and undergraduate students working on a variety of spectroscopy and magnetism projects. You will be part of a larger research team working in synthesis, measurements and calculations to determine the electronic structures of predominantly paramagnetic complexes. You will be expected to take a leading role in the research group including synchrotron and neutron facility trips, organising group meetings and presenting findings at international conferences.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Award, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will always be made on merit.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. Eric McInnes

Email: eric.mcinnes@manchester.ac.uk

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars including job description and person specification are available on the University of Manchester website - click on the 'Apply' button above to find out more