Research Associate; SS- Bath, BAAY

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding inorganic/organometallic chemist to undertake research in the field of copper(I) catalysis.

This is following the award of an EPSRC New Investigator Award to the University of Bath entitled "Carbon Dioxide Activation and Valorisation at Copper-Phosphorus Bonds". You will work in the Liptrot group, whose interest span main group chemistry, copper(I) catalysis and synthesis for materials science. The project will focus on the generation and exploitation of copper(I) boryls and related low-valent systems via traditional synthesis and mechanochemistry.

The role is available from April to December 2026, and has funding available to support training and travel opportunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to synthesise a range of copper(I)-main group complexes, perform mechanistic analyses, draft papers and supervise Postgraduate and Masters project students. All new compounds will be analysed by a combination of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and mass spectrometry.

Previous experience with the synthesis and reactivity of NHC-copper boryl systems; and mechanochemical synthesis is essential to the role. A record of accomplishment of peer-reviewed publications is desirable.

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact David Liptrot at

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Closing Date: 20 Mar 2026

Department:
Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049