Department of Chemistry

Current jobs in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: NMR-based Determination of Protein Structures

A post-doctoral position is available to work with Professor Michele Vendruscolo on a project aimed at developing novel computational methods to determine the structures of proteins and protein complexes using NMR measurements.

The ideal candidate will have (or will be about to obtain) a PhD in computational biology or biological physics or related discipline. The post requires a strong background in computational methods and biophysics.

The post is available from March 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor Michele Vendruscolo, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: mv245@cam.ac.uk).

MA12132
16 February 2012
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Supramolecular Metallo-organic Structures

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the group of Dr Jonathan Nitschke to investigate the stereochemistry of complex, three-dimensional metal-organic structures. This follows on from work described in http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201107532.

Applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in materials chemistry, materials engineering, or a related area. The successful candidate will have experience with synthesis, coordination chemistry, stereochemistry and the techniques required to characterise complex chiral molecules, together with a strong track record of scientific accomplishment as reflected in a significant publications record.

The post is available from March 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Jonathan Nitschke, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: jrn34@cam.ac.uk).

MA12202
16 February 2012
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Chief Glassblowing Technician

Chemistry is a large department, including 70 Senior Academics and 400 Post Doctorate and Research staff and this pivotal role will provide a first class glass manipulating service to the entire department. The role holder is responsible for the provision of specialist, highly sophisticated apparatus for academia, as well as the general management of the glass workshop.

Duties include: the production of quartz, borosilicate, soft class, metal glass seals and refined apparatus unobtainable commercially; the design and construction of ultra high vacuum systems; delivering ultra high tolerance techniques in glass milling; the general administration, accounting, purchasing and the safety of the Glass Workshop.

The successful candidate will have had significant training and be of exceptional ability in the art of scientific glassblowing. They will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure, prioritising and communicating effectively. Applicants should be educated to at least GCSE level standard or equivalent, with GCSE in English and Mathematics. Previous experience of working in a Higher Education environment and/or financial responsibility would be beneficial. The interview process will involve an element of glass blowing.

Application forms can be downloaded from the University website at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris5/ and are also available along with further information from Emma Graham, tel: 01223 763188 or email ejg49@cam.ac.uk.

Please complete Parts I and III only of the application form and return together with a letter of application to Emma Graham by email: ejg49@cam.ac.uk or post: Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW.

MA12792
17 February 2012
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Monte Carlo Simulation

A six-month EPSRC-funded postdoctoral appointment is available in the group of Professor Ali Alavi to complete the implementation of the Full CI Quantum Monte Carlo (FCIQMC) method for periodic solid-state applications.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in theoretical chemistry (or other related area). A solid grounding in many-body theory is required, as is experience in programming for massively-parallel computation. The ideal candidate will be acquainted with the FCIQMC method.

The post is available from April 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor Ali Alavi, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: asa10@cam.ac.uk).

MA12702
24 February 2012
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PhD Studentship: Protein Biophysics - Studies of Folding and Misfolding in Multi-Domain Proteins

A PhD studentship is available from October 2012 in the group led by Professor Jane Clarke, Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Basic Biomedical Science, to study the folding and misfolding of multidomain proteins using both ensemble and single-molecule techniques.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, physics or biochemistry. The studentship will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Owing to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.

Applications should include a CV and contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Ms Alice Wood, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: aw534@cam.ac.uk).

MA12552
29 February 2012
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Biophysical Studies of alpha-Synuclein Aggregation

A postdoctoral position is available to work with Professor Michele Vendruscolo, Dr Tuomas Knowles and Professor Christopher Dobson on a multi-disciplinary project aimed at understanding the biophysical basis of alpha-synuclein aggregation.

The ideal candidate will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in computational biology, biological physics, biochemistry or related discipline. The post requires a strong background in computational methods, biophysics and molecular biology.

The post is available from March 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Professor Michele Vendruscolo, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: mv245@cam.ac.uk).

MA12142
29 February 2012
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PhD Studentship: Biomolecular Simulation

A PhD studentship is available in the molecular simulation group based in the Unilever Centre for Molecular Science Informatics. The project will focus on the development and application of simulation techniques to gain insight into biomolecular systems, especially the molecular mechanisms of assembly and recognition that govern processes including ligand binding, receptor signalling, and enzyme regulation, within cellular compartments and biomembranes. Expertise will be gained in a variety of state-of-the-art computational approaches, including large-scale molecular dynamics simulations, multi-scale modelling, and free-energy calculations. The Unilever Centre offers a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment, and has strong connections with experimental collaborators in academia and industry. The project will provide novel information on the mechanisms of biomolecules, with relevance to disease and therapeutic strategies.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, physics or biological science. Some experience of molecular simulation methods, and familiarity with Unix/Linux or basic programming languages are desirable but not essential.

The studentship will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Owing to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.

The studentship is available from October 2012. Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Dr Peter Bond, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: pjb91@cam.ac.uk).

MA12902
29 February 2012
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PhD Studentships: Atmospheric Science

5 PhD studentships are available in atmospheric science from October 2012.

Project 1. Characterisation and quantification of oxidising aerosol particle components relevant for health-related aerosol effects. This project will include instrument development and field studies. Enquiries: Dr Markus Kalberer (markus.kalberer@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk).

Project 2. Analysis of organic aerosol composition from laboratory (smog chamber) studies using state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. Novel ionisation techniques for mass spectrometry will be further developed. Enquiries: Dr Markus Kalberer (markus.kalberer@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk).

Project 3. Climate-chemistry modelling. A state-of-the-art chemistry-climate model, UKCA, which we have developed in collaboration with the Met Office, will be used to explore interactions between atmospheric composition and surface climate. Enquiries: Prof. John Pyle (john.pyle@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk).

Project 4. Measurement and data analysis of trace species (including halogenated organic compounds) in the tropical marine atmosphere. This study will include the interpretation of measurements from the ground and from aircraft in the NERC CAST and NASA ATTREX projects. Enquiries: Dr Neil Harris (Neil.Harris@ozone-sec.ch.cam.ac.uk).

Project 5. Measurement and analysis of atmospheric composition. This will include the development of novel measurement techniques and their use in studies ranging from urban air quality to greenhouse gas flux quantification. Enquiries: Prof. Rod Jones (rlj1001@cam.ac.uk).

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK II.1 honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in chemistry, chemical physics or a related area.

Projects 1, 2 and 3 are funded by ERC grants, which provide a maintenance grant and tuition fees at the Home/EU rate. Non-EU nationals can be considered only if they already have the means to cover the fees differential for overseas students.

Projects 4 and 5 are funded by NERC, and will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Owing to funding restrictions, these two studentships are not available to non-EU nationals.

Applications should include a CV, contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Alice Wood, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: aw534@cam.ac.uk).

MA12892
29 February 2012
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Sustainable Inorganic Chemistry

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work in solar fuel research in the Reisner group in the newly established Christian Doppler Laboratory for Sustainable SynGas Chemistry (see http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk/). The main research task is to prepare novel bio-inspired catalysts for electro- and photo-catalytic H2 evolution and CO2 to fuel conversion.

The successful candidate will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry and have a strong background in synthetic molecular inorganic chemistry. Experience in preparing and handling of air/moisture sensitive compounds is essential; experience in advanced spectroscopic techniques, electro- and photochemistry will be an advantage. The candidate should be ready to think outside her/his formal field of training to fit into a creative and dynamic research environment. A strong record of research productivity, as reflected in a substantial publication record in journals of high impact, will be required, as well as excellent communication and management skills. The successful candidate will also assist PhD students and oversee the research activity of the Christian Doppler Laboratory on a daily basis.

The post is available from April 2012. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Erwin Reisner, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk).

MA12712
5 March 2012
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Post-doctoral Research Associate: Computational Solid State Chemistry

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the research group led by Dr Graeme Day. The project is part of a collaboration with the research group of Professor Jeremy Sanders and will follow on from work described in Chemical Science, 2, 696-700 (2011). The researcher will develop computational approaches for rationalising and predicting reaction equilibria in solvent-free chemical reactions that take place in the solid state.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in chemistry, physics or a related discipline. The project will involve molecular and crystal structure modelling using both interatomic potentials and electronic structure methods and the post requires a strong background in relevant computational methods.

The post is available immediately. Applications should include a CV, publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Graeme Day, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: gmd27@cam.ac.uk).

MA13102
7 March 2012
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Marie Curie Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Dynamic Molecular Structures

Applications are invited for a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellowship to join the group of Dr Jonathan Nitschke. As part of an 11-partner Marie Curie Initial Training Network, the successful candidate will investigate the use of techniques developed in the Nitschke group to create functional metal-containing self-assembled materials. He/She will also assist in the administration of the network.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in chemistry and a record of strong research productivity, as reflected in a substantial publication record in journals of high impact. He/She will have expertise that will allow a significant contribution to our work in the area of either metal-containing polymeric materials (see http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.200800503 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja110575s) or metal-organic capsules (see http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1175313 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201100193). Additionally, excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills will be required in order to liaise with partner research groups throughout Europe and to help organise network meetings and events.

Salary will be in accordance with the EC Marie Curie Fellowship scale. Under EC rules for training networks, candidates (who may be of any nationality) should have no more than five years of postgraduate research experience (inclusive of any PhD training). Candidates must also not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to appointment. Please state clearly in the cover letter how your candidacy fulfils these two criteria.

The post is available from May 2012. Applications should include a cover letter, CV with publications list, contact details for three professional referees, and a completed form CHRIS/6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), and should be sent to Dr Jonathan Nitschke, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: jrn34@cam.ac.uk).

MA12112
15 March 2012
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