Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology

We are looking for a passionate and creative scientist to join our research team as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Manchester. The successful candidate will work as part of the dynamic and interdisciplinary research groups of Dr Aaron Trowbridge (Department of Chemistry) and Dr Jonathan Worboys (Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation). The post is available from 3rd November 2025, or soon thereafter, for 1 year in the first instance, with the potential for renewal for another year.

The post is part of a BBSRC-funded research programme (PhotoOxyMap), seeking to design new photoactivatable probes for applications in nanoscale labelling and chemical biology. Specifically, we are looking for synthetic chemists who are interested in new challenges and developing their skills in chemical biology. The successful candidate will create novel molecules and photocatalysts that allow access to new reactive intermediates for target-specific proximity labelling and apply these tools in cells. This will expand the current chemical biology toolkit to discover new biological interactions and provide new insights for therapeutic intervention. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation and collaborate with experts in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology.

The candidate should hold a PhD in organic chemistry, or related field, and have a strong background in organic synthesis, and a demonstrated track record of high-quality research. Previous experience in photochemistry and chemical biology would be ideal, but is not essential. The candidate should have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills to ensure success within a diverse and interdisciplinary research environment.

Both research groups are committed to providing a welcoming support space for all, where all members are encouraged to contribute to our scientific community in sharing knowledge and developing ideas. Our groups value and prioritise diversity, equality, and inclusion, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates who contribute to these goals.

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

The School of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

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 [email protected].

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Aaron Trowbridge

Email: [email protected]

or

Name: Dr Jonathan Worboys

Email: [email protected]

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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.