Research Assistant in Gold Catalysis at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Oct, 26

Salary

33002.0

Posted On

10 Jul, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Yes

Skills

Gold Catalysis, Experimental Research, Scientific Writing, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills, Hydrogen-bond Donors, Organic Chemistry, Laboratory Instrumentation, Project Planning, Collaboration, Time Management, Academic Publishing

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Job Title: Research Assistant in Gold Catalysis Department: Chemistry Grade: Grade 6, spine point 24 Salary range: £33,002 - £33,002 Working arrangements: Full time, 35-hours per week, in person (chemistry laboratory) Closing date: Sunday 19 July 2026 Potential interview date: August, TBC The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here The Role and Department Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in Gold Catalysis with a particular emphasis on the combination of gold complexes with hydrogen-bond donors. Durham University, in the North of England, has been a world top 100 university for the last ten years (QS Rankings). Our Chemistry degree is among the best ones in the UK: 5th in the Complete University Guide 2026, 9th in The Times University Guide 2025 and 8th in the Guardian University Guide 2025. Durham University is one of the UK’s most historic universities, sitting in a beautiful, hilly city whose Romanesque Cathedral is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a research assistant in Durham, you will become part of a friendly international community and benefit from cutting-edge facilities. The Department of Chemistry is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and located in the Science Campus, a short walk away from Durham old town. The Franchino group is an enthusiastic and inclusive team, which as of June 2026 comprises three PDRAs, three PhD students and one Summer student, with four different nationalities. Our laboratory has been recently refurbished and hosts a range of dedicated instruments (visit www.franchinolab.com for details). The successful applicant will be expected to conduct experimental research in the laboratory. Responsibilities: To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications. To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner. To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives. To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions. To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. To contribute to the planning of research projects. To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline. To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses. This post is fixed term for is fixed term for six months, as at present funding is available from 01/10/2026 to 31/03/2027 only. The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by Dr Allegra Franchino, Associate Professor. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 01/10/26. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries Dr Allegra Franchino, Associate Professor, allegra.franchino@durham.ac.uk Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: A CV of maximum two A4 pages. In the CV, please indicate all dates with month and year and list two referees, one of which must be your PhD advisor. A cover letter of maximum one A4 page. In the cover letter, please detail relevant skills and achievements, as well as what motivates you to apply to this position. We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a research presentation to the hiring panel, followed by an interview. We anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over one day in late July or August In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. Person Specification Essential Criteria: Submit all documents as required by this advert. If your CV or cover letter is missing, or beyond the page limit, or lacking the requested information, then you will not be shortlisted. A Masters in Chemistry or a closely related subject Experience in gold catalysis, evidenced by at least one first-author peer-reviewed research publication on the topic. Review articles will not count. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, evidenced by at least two poster or talk prizes at conferences, symposia, summer schools or equivalent scientific meetings. Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods, evidenced by at least one first-author peer-reviewed research publication. Review articles will not count.. Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines. Desirable Criteria: A PhD (or PhD thesis submission scheduled by 01/10/2026) in Organic Chemistry. Experience of conducting high quality academic research, evidenced by at least two peer-reviewed publications. Experience in gold(I) catalysis and synthesis of hydrogen-bond donors, evidenced by at least one peer-reviewed publication on those topics. Experience of preparing academic papers, evidenced by at least two peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

Conduct experimental research in gold catalysis and contribute to the production of research reports and peer-reviewed publications. Collaborate with the research team to develop protocols and support student projects using laboratory equipment.