This post is part of an Leverhulme Trust funded project seeking to develop new approaches for the catalysis of nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The overarching aim of this project is to develop sustainable synthetic methods that can address long-standing reactivity and selectivity challenges associated with nucleophilic aromatic substitution. These methods will be of immediate interest to researchers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
The appointee will expand upon our previous work in this area [Nat. Synth. 2025; Chem. Eur. J. 2024, 31, e202403952; Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 14641] to design and test new catalysts for nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The performance of top catalysts will be quantified through a series of experimental and computational investigations. The scope of the developed process will be explored through parallel screening and the selectivity of the catalysts refined through subsequent rounds of catalyst design.
The successful candidate will work within the Department of Chemistry benefiting from worldclass facilities at The University of Manchester. The James and Trujillo Groups provide a positive research environment, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the groups research culture, which is driven by teamwork.
The appointee will develop an integrated computational and experimental approach to facilitate catalyst and reaction development. The appointee will explore how these catalysts and methods can be applied to address critical challenges in nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Key responsibilities are detailed below. The appointee will report directly to Dr Michael James and Dr Cristina Trujillo.
What you will get in return:
* Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr Michael James / Dr Cristina Trujillo
Email: michael.james@manchester.ac.uk / cristina.trujillodelvalle@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
0161 850 2004
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.