Postdoctoral Research Associate in

Functional Organic Materials

Department: Chemistry

Hours of work: Full time | 37 hours a week, with flexibility if required

Contract type: Fixed term; 18-months, to start as early as 1st April 2023

Salary: £35,308 - £43,155 a year, reduced pro-rata for part time working | Grade 6

Grade: 6 Ref: 210

Introduction
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in organic chemistry, conducting research
supervised by Dr Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro in the Department of Chemistry. This fixed-term position is funded by
the Royal Society via a Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship entitled, “Multidimensionally Conjugated
Supra(macro)molecular Materials.” The post holder will synthesise electroactive π-electron acceptors featuring
topologically non-planar and three-dimensionally conjugated structures (e.g., helicenes, macrocycles) to
investigate their fundamental structural, spectroscopic, electrochemical and magnetic (aromaticity) properties
with an eye towards exploring their potential for organic electronic devices, including rechargeable batteries.
The Department of Chemistry 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: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/. 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. Further information can be found within
this brief and on our website: www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/

The Avestro Group at York

The successful candidate will join the Molecular Materials for Energy research group at York led by Dr Alyssa-
Jennifer Avestro as a senior team member to investigate the electronic, electrochemical and magnetic
properties of π-electron acceptors featuring topologically non-planar and three-dimensionally conjugated
structures (e.g., helicenes, macrocycles). Dr Avestro and the ‘A-Team’ are generously funded by the Royal
Society and Global Challenges Research Fund to pursue the development of functional organic molecular
systems, assemblies and materials that may lead to efficient electron-transport and high-performance in
organic electronics and energy device applications. Strategies to access bespoke molecular materials employed
by the group include organic covalent synthesis, supramolecular (and macromolecular) assembly, host–guest
molecular recognition and coordination chemistry. The Molecular Materials Laboratory is situated in the newly
built Dorothy Hodgkin Building on Heslington Campus West and features a 21-fume cupboard workspace for
chemistry and materials synthesis, dedicated suites for carrying out high-precision chromatography, optical
microscopy and device fabrication.
Dr Avestro’s training alongside high-profile chemists such as 2016 Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Stoddart FRS
(Northwestern University, 2010–2015) and a pioneer of anion–π interactions Stefan Matile (University of
Geneva, 2015) has led to numerous early career achievements, awards (e.g., L’Oreal For Women in Science,
SciFinder Future Leaders) and invitations to deliver lectures and plenary talks around the world. Outside of
research, Dr Avestro is passionately engaged as York Chemistry’s Postdoctoral Champion, Fellowships
Champion and a member of the department’s Mental Health & Well-Being Team to promote the advancement
of early career scientists in Chemistry, especially of those from international, minority, underrepresented and
disadvantaged groups.
For further information on Avestro Group research, visit: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/academic/a-
c/dr-avestro
For more information on the Molecular Materials initiative at York, see:
https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/research-themes/molecular-mat/
Main purpose of the role
● To conduct individual and collaborative research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to
contribute to the production of high-quality research
● To provide guidance, training and mentoring to other staff and students in the Avestro Group, as
required, as well as coordinating the work and milestones of small research subteams
● To assist in the identification and development of potential new areas of research and the
development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects

Key responsibilities
(Role holders will be required to undertake some or all of the duties below)
● To conduct individual and collaborative research projects, duties to include: experimental design,
analysis and interpretation of research data; use of appropriate research techniques and methods;
writing up of research results and dissemination through publications, seminar and conference
presentations and public engagement and outreach activities; contributing to the identification of
possible new areas of research
● To participate in, and contribute to, a supportive, inclusive and egalitarian working culture

● To provide guidance to other staff and students, as required, as well as coordinating the work of small
research teams

● To assist with undergraduate teaching in own area of expertise.

● To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and funding applications to external bodies
● To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research
project, including conference organisation, and the development of promotional or educational
material including website maintenance and development
● To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally, duties to include: the building
of internal contacts and participation in internal networks; collaboration with colleagues on joint
projects as required; participation in and identification of external networks in order to share
information and identify potential opportunities for collaboration and possible sources of funding;
attendance at and contribution to relevant meetings
● To support the Avestro research group with the day-to-day operation and management of the
research environment (laboratory and associated equipment), ensuring compliance with laboratory
health and safety procedures and best practice

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and is subject to change. The post holder may be required to
undertake other duties within the scope and grading of the post.
Person specification

Essential /
Desirable

Qualifications

First degree in Chemistry or related subject Essential

PhD in synthetic chemistry or organic functional materials, or equivalent experience (or Essential
have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment)

Knowledge

Expertise in the synthetic chemistry and properties analysis of organic functional molecules Essential
to engage in high-quality research

Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies (e.g., compound Essential

synthesis, purification, product identification, product characterisation)

Expertise in an area that will complement and enhance the Department’s and the Avestro Essential
research strategy and goals aligned with the Molecular Materials research theme

An understanding of the operation of a modern research laboratory and an awareness of Essential

health and safety issues

Expertise in the chemistry and properties of n-type organic electroactive molecules, such Desirable
as aromatic diimides and other functional polyaromatic systems

Experience using one or more of the following: Desirable

● DFT/TD-DFT calculations to predict and rationalise experimental results

● electrochemical to elucidate dynamic redox processes
● photospectroscopic or EPR techniques to elucidate electronic and/or magnetic
(e.g., organic radical, aromaticity) phenomena
● NMR spectroscopy (e.g., variable temperature or EXSY) to characterise dynamic
processes (e.g., conformational changes, assembly, molecular recognition)

Experience fabricating, testing and interpreting data obtained from organic electronic Desirable
devices, including rechargeable organic batteries

Skills, abilities and competencies

Ability to perform multi-step organic synthesis, especially aromatic functionalisations Essential

Ability to perform purification and spectroscopic assignment of new compounds, including Essential
the identification of side products to determine unexpected reaction outcomes

Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with wide-ranging audiences, Essential
both orally and in writing, and using a range of media
Ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals and engage in Essential
public dissemination

Ability to develop ambitious yet realistic research objectives, novel projects and proposals Essential
for their own and collaborative research, with the assistance of a mentor if required

Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research, meet research objectives Essential
and complete novel projects in a timely manner to maintain excellent research momentum

Ability to identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds, with Essential
collaborators and with the assistance of a mentor if required

Competency to prepare and deliver high-quality presentations at scientific conferences, or Essential

exhibit work in other appropriate events, and engage effectively in public dissemination

Ability to identify and quickly learn new experimental techniques required to complete the Essential
intended research to a high level

Computer skills over a range of standard software to support research goals, including Essential
Microsoft Office applications, literature search tools (SciFinder, Reaxys), ChemDraw, NMR
processing, crystallography and other visualisation tools, AI engines

Ability to make use of, comply with and maintain appropriate data management systems to Essential
preserve research and engage in effective transfer of knowledge

Experience

Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research Essential

Experience of writing up research work for publication Essential

Experience working as part of a team as well as independently to maintain good Essential

momentum towards joint and individual research goals

Experience of independently conceiving novel narratives for publication and preparing Desirable
manuscript drafts to an advanced level from scratch

Experience of mentoring, training and motivating other students and staff Desirable

Personal attributes

Attention to detail and commitment to high quality Essential

Collaborative and altruistic ethos Essential

Interest in and enthusiasm for the subject matter of the project(s) Essential

Positive and professional attitude towards colleagues and students Essential

Willingness to engage with colleagues from other work areas/institutions Essential

Excellent time management skills to plan and prioritise own work to meet deadlines in a Essential
timely manner, including initiative to plan research programmes

Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills aligned with Essential
their future career goals

Independence, resilience and proactivity to take responsibility for meeting project Essential
objectives

Willingness to proactively motivate/inspire others in the workplace to produce their best Essential
work, including to promote a healthy and productive research culture

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM Essential