Overview
We have an opening for a polymer chemist within a team of researchers working on a multi-institutional project. The role involves designing synthetic pigment-polymer antenna complexes for incorporation into molecular photonic breadboards, developing solution-processing routes for quantum optical materials, and designing sensors for early cancer detection that utilise strong light-matter coupling. The project uses surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerisation (SI-ATRP) to grow polymer scaffolds and organise chromophores in 3D. The position is based in Sheffield and involves collaboration with Prof Steve Armes FRS and Prof Graham Leggett.
Responsibilities
* Design, develop and refine experiments to obtain reliable data.
* Carry out research and interact effectively with project team members, sharing data and expertise to reach project objectives.
* Supervise research activities if required.
* Read papers, journals and textbooks; attend conferences to stay abreast of developments.
* Prepare papers for journals or presentations for internal or external conferences or seminars.
* Write progress reports and present work at project meetings.
* Plan contributions up to 3 months ahead when given a hypothesis, including resource availability, deadlines, milestones and overall aims; design individual experiments weekly.
* Continuously monitor results and adapt plans to new developments.
* Plan several months in advance to meet journal publication deadlines and conference presentations.
* Embed the University sustainability strategy and make ethical decisions where possible.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications
* Educated to PhD level in chemistry, physics or materials science (or equivalent experience).
* Experience of surface-initiated polymerisation, preferably SI-ATRP, and methods for characterisation of polymer brushes.
* Ability to work effectively in a team.
* Experience of cross-disciplinary research at the physical science/life science interface is desirable.
* Strong communication skills, including writing and presenting at scientific meetings.
* Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
* Willingness to work across traditional subject boundaries.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,249 to £46,735
* Work arrangement: Full-time
* Duration: Available immediately until 2/11/26
* Line manager: Research Grant Lead
* Direct reports: n/a
Benefits and Additional Details
We offer a range of benefits including a competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, and development and wellbeing support. Details and full benefits are available on the university benefits page. The University is a Disability Confident Employer.
Our vision is to be a global leader in research excellence, valuing diversity and the contributions of staff and students from all backgrounds.
What We Offer
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave (pro rata) with the option to purchase more
* Flexible and hybrid working for eligible roles
* Generous pension scheme
* Discounts and rewards on shopping, dining and travel
* Staff networks for development and community
* Recognition Awards and development/mentoring schemes
* Family-friendly policies
More details: university benefits page. We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you meet the essential criteria, you may be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process.
Next steps: Selection is expected in November 2025 and will include an interview and short presentation. If you need support or adjustments, contact the professor in charge.
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