Job Description
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.