Salary: £35,608.00 - £46,049.00 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 5 October 2025 The Role Are you looking for a project that builds on your organic synthesis skills and couples it to working on an artificial photosynthesis system for fuel production? If the answer is yes, then apply for a two-year Leverhulme funded post-doctoral position here at Newcastle University. The project will require a person that is adept at the synthesis of organic systems and their characterization. You will also need to carry out reactions initiated by light and identify products produced by disparate spectroscopic techniques including NMR/EPR spectroscopy and gas chromatography. You should also enjoy problem solving and have the capability to analyse data to work out a chemical process. It would also be beneficial to have a knowledge of applying time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to follow electron transfer events. You would join researchers within the subject of area of Chemistry which sits within the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, working in the group of Prof Andy Benniston. The project lends scope for you to develop it further, as well as to enhance your career through University programmes. As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level. The position is fixed term for 24 months, full time (37 hours per week). Start dates and flexible working are negotiable. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. For more information on The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences please click here. To apply please send a CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages highlighting why you would be suitable for the position. For an informal discussion about the project please email Prof Andy Benniston (andrew.bennniston@newcastle.ac.uk) copying in Kerry Harvey (kerry.harvey@newcastle.ac.uk) to arrange a Teams call. Key Accountabilities Carry out research in the preparation of artificial photosynthetic systems that when activated by light produce hydrogen gas and simultaneously create new organic molecules. Understand concepts of photochemistry and photophysics and apply that knowledge in problem solving. Ensure intellectual rigour and adherence to robust ethical standards to maintain integrity of research. The Person (Essential) Knowledge, Skills and Experience Capability to design and prepare organic molecules that have photoactive components. Proven capability to use of different analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry in the characterization of compounds. Ability to plan experimental procedures for reactions that are activated by light and monitor their progress by spectroscopic methods. Critically analyse data and construct theoretical models to explain results A proven track record in publishing top quality papers. Sound knowledge of the use and application of electron paramagnetic spectroscopy. Capability to analyse fast time-resolved spectroscopic data. Attributes and Behaviour Work in a team and be proactive in preparing publications Contribute to a positive work culture and engage with internal seminars Mentor undergraduate students working on their projects Qualifications Hold a completed and awarded PhD in Chemistry with emphasis on organic synthesis and photochemistry. Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 28504