Research Fellow - School of Chemistry - 107120 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2029

Closing date: 5th April 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

Are you an experienced synthetic organometallic chemist seeking new challenges? Join Dr Erli Lu’s research group at the University of Birmingham for an exciting opportunity to advance organo-alkali metal chemistry. This project aims to pioneer organosodium chemistry as a sustainable alternative to traditional organolithium methods, addressing the depletion of lithium resources and the hazards of organic solvents by developing solvent-free synthetic approaches.

You will gain expertise in mechanochemistry—a transformative technology in sustainable synthesis—alongside advanced organosodium chemistry and state-of-the-art crystallographic and spectroscopic techniques (SCXRD, PXRD, NMR). Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including the Kubicki group (NMR spectroscopy) and the Crawford group (mechanochemistry scale-up).

Key responsibilities:

• Synthesize and characterize air/moisture-sensitive materials using mechanochemical ball milling and glovebox techniques.
• Work with the Kubicki group to analyze complexes and with the Crawford group to scale up successful reactions.
• Prepare reports and manuscripts under the PI’s supervision.
• Support laboratory management and health & safety duties.
• Present research at national and international conferences.

We are committed to fostering a fair and inclusive working environment and welcome discussions about flexible or blended working arrangements. This full-time role is available for 12 months from August 1, 2026, with possible extension to 36 months upon mutual agreement.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Hands-on laboratory work in synthetic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and mechanochemistry 
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in chemistry or relevant areas, and a PhD (or near to completion) in chemistry
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use res