Research Fellow
| Posting date: | 14 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,608 to £46,049 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 January 2026 |
| Location: | University of Warwick Campus, Coventry |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | University of Warwick |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 111233-0126 |
Summary
Applications are invited for a research fellow to work on a Leverhulme Trust funded project grant entitled “Synthesis and reactivity of elusive mononuclear gold(II) complexes” for a period of up to 24 months. This is a curiosity-led project, motivated by increasing literature speculation about the role of metalloradical intermediates in gold-mediated organic transformations.
While there is precedent for the formation of mononuclear gold(II) compounds, the handful of well-defined systems that have been described in the literature are unsuitable for the level of hypothesis testing needed to resolve this speculation and support rational catalyst development.
The post requires a highly skilled co-worker to implement a systematic programme of experimental work, focused on the synthesis, characterisation and organometallic chemistry of highly reactive open-shell transition metal complexes.
The successful applicant will have completed a PhD in molecular inorganic chemistry and have an established track record for innovative and effective experimental research in this field, including prior post-doctoral experience. Practical experience using techniques for the synthesis, purification, and characterisation of air- and moisture sensitive open- and closed-shell, late transition metal compounds is essential.
The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator, capable of working effectively, both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers. They will possess excellent time management skills and be highly motived to drive open projects to completion at the highest publication standards.
The fellow will be primarily based in the Chaplin group at the University of Warwick, but the project involves extensive collaboration with the Richard’s group at the Cardiff University.
For more information about the research groups involved visit: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/chaplingroup and https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/richardse10
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
While there is precedent for the formation of mononuclear gold(II) compounds, the handful of well-defined systems that have been described in the literature are unsuitable for the level of hypothesis testing needed to resolve this speculation and support rational catalyst development.
The post requires a highly skilled co-worker to implement a systematic programme of experimental work, focused on the synthesis, characterisation and organometallic chemistry of highly reactive open-shell transition metal complexes.
The successful applicant will have completed a PhD in molecular inorganic chemistry and have an established track record for innovative and effective experimental research in this field, including prior post-doctoral experience. Practical experience using techniques for the synthesis, purification, and characterisation of air- and moisture sensitive open- and closed-shell, late transition metal compounds is essential.
The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator, capable of working effectively, both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers. They will possess excellent time management skills and be highly motived to drive open projects to completion at the highest publication standards.
The fellow will be primarily based in the Chaplin group at the University of Warwick, but the project involves extensive collaboration with the Richard’s group at the Cardiff University.
For more information about the research groups involved visit: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/chaplingroup and https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/richardse10
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).