Research Associate in Organic Synthesis and Scale-up

The Department of Chemistry and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence are seeking a Research Associate in Organic Synthesis and Scale-up (Biobased Monomers).

The Department of Chemistry at the University of York is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. This is combined with a commitment to teaching and outstanding student satisfaction, and we have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education.

The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular economy, from discovery research on renewable feedstocks and green synthesis, to sustainable technologies, materials and products, through to end-of-life considerations such as designing for reuse/degradation or dealing with legacy chemicals.

A position is available within Prof Antoine Buchard and Prof Helen Sneddon's research groups as part of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers for a Sustainable Future between the University of York, the University of Nottingham and industrial partner Croda.

The project is developing novel and sustainable polymers for use in polymer liquid formulations (PLFs). These materials are found in millions of consumers and industrial products, from household detergents to agrochemicals and cosmetics, but their lack of biodegradability and reliance on fossil feedstocks brings some challenges.

With the project entering its second phase, the role advertised will focus on the optimisation and scale-up of the synthesis of identified promising monomers (100 g to kg scale), in order to accelerate polymer application testing and commercialisation.

The post is ideally suited to someone with a synthetic organic chemistry background and some scale-up experience, looking to work in a collaborative team environment across academia and industry.

This post is available at 100% FTE, for a minimum of 12 months and up to 24 months. Please note that flexible working patterns and job sharing opportunities will be considered.

• An undergraduate degree in Chemistry (or equivalent experience) and a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (or equivalent experience), or have submitted your thesis prior to taking up your appointment.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry (essential), a keen interest and experience in reaction optimisation and scale-up (essential)
• Ability to demonstrate competence and success in the thesis research area (and postdoctoral work if appropriate).
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work in order to meet deadlines, exhibiting self-initiative.
• Highly motivated and professional work ethic, with commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos and a willingness to proactively support colleagues and students.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Antoine Buchard at or Professor Helen Sneddon at

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork