Research Associate in Chemical Kinetics

Research Associate in Chemical Kinetics (Fixed-Term) This post is part of a large pharmaceutical consortium at the interface between academia and industry, where the Fellow will contribute to cutting‑edge advancements in reaction understanding and process optimisation. The work will primarily feature the integration of high data‑density reaction techniques, laboratory automation & robotics and kinetic/machine learning modelling. The researcher will apply innovative methods such as flow chemistry ramping and high‑throughput experimentation to expedite reaction understanding in the synthesis of life‑saving pharmaceuticals, whilst saving precious reaction material overall. Subsequent data will populate chemical reaction models to simulate and optimise reactions for the highest yields and purities. The research will be conducted using state‑of‑the‑art equipment, including commercial tools and bespoke in‑house apparatus. As a key member of the ChemTech team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of reaction optimisation, automation and chemical data modelling. Salary £35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro‑ra (per diem) depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance. Area Chemical & Environmental Engineering Location University Park Closing Date Thursday 08 January 2026 Reference ENG275025 This post is offered until 30/04/2027 on a full‑time basis. Key Responsibilities: Utilise high data‑density reaction techniques, including flow chemistry ramping and high‑throughput experimentation, to inform and enhance reaction understanding. Employ machine learning and kinetic modelling to analyse complex datasets, extract meaningful insights and guide the optimisation of chemical reactions. Collaborate with internal groups to design and fabricate bespoke equipment tailored to the project's specific needs. Contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts, fostering collaboration between various research groups, and actively participate in the dissemination of findings through publications and conferences. Contribute towards a collegiate working environment, providing hands‑on support and getting involved with other PDRAs and PhDs research projects. About you: Excited about the prospect of interdisciplinary research, as well as “hands‑on” lab skills and willing to tinker with equipment. Interested in how machine learning and modelling techniques can impact real‑world processes. Experienced with kinetic analysis and/or coding (MATLAB or Python) - preferred. Highly organised with an excellent attention to detail. Although the right candidate may not have all of these attributes, it is much more important to have the drive and willingness to learn these skills for the fulfilment of the project. However, you must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area (chemistry/chemical engineering or closely related) or be near to completion of a PhD. What this role offers: A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment. Personalised training, both in technical abilities and in career coaching for future academic/industrial opportunities. Introductions to a wide collaborative network of academics and industrialists. Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year. Please address any informal enquiries about the role to Dr Connor Taylor (connor.taylor@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme. We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award. To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration. #J-18808-Ljbffr