Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Synthetic Organic Chemistry (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work in the group of Prof. Robert Phipps in the Department of Chemistry on a project funded by UKRI through the Horizon Europe Guarantee Scheme.

The project concerns the development of new catalytic approaches to enantioselective radical reactions that utilise ion-pairing interactions. Radical reactions have seen an immense pace of recent development. Many produce stereocentres, highlighting the ongoing challenge of rendering radical reactions enantioselective. Whilst many of the key enantiocontrol strategies from the two-electron world have been applied, these are ineffective in many situations. Our group is interested in catalysis that utilises attractive non-covalent interactions to draw the reaction components close and exercise control (review: Nature Chem., 2020, 12, 990). Ion-pairing is one of the most fundamental and powerful non-covalent interactions but is frequently underexplored by synthetic chemist. We have used this extensively in the context of transition metal catalysis (perspective: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 18195, review: Chem. Rev., 2025, 125, 2846) and now seek to apply this knowledge to radical chemistry. Previous work in the group has used chiral phosphoric acids to develop the first protocol for enantioselective Minisci reactions (see  Acc. Chem. Res. 2023, 56, 2037-2049). Here we will seek to apply ion-pairing approaches to tackle a broad range of radical reactions and render them enantioselective. We have recently reported enantioselective hydrogen atom abstraction using a catalyst based on the Cinchona alkaloids (Science, 2024, 386, 42; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 34970) which was influenced by the use of these natural prouducts in ionic catalysis. This is one avenue that we are seeking to further develop and explore, alongside radical reactions involving transition metals.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. Experience in modern synthetic techniques in a leading research environment is essential. A strong track record of achievement during the PhD is desirable. Duties alongside lab research involve oral presentations, draft publications and relevant communication skills are required. In addition to their own research, the appointee will be expected to take some responsibility for the supervision and training of post-graduate and undergraduate research students.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For queries relating to the position or the application process, please contact Prof. Robert Phipps on (email: rjp71@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA50368 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.