Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Chemistry and Plant Natural Product Biosynthesis at University of York University of York in United Kingdom

University of York is advertising a full-time, two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in synthetic chemistry, based in the lab of Dr Will Unsworth in the Department of Chemistry. The project is part of a multidisciplinary collaboration with Dr Benjamin Lichman (Department of Biology, Centre for Novel Agricultural Products) and Prof Gideon Grogan (Department of Chemistry).

The research is centred on plant natural product biosynthesis, with a focus on the metabolic origins of chiral bioactive alkaloids and terpenoids. The successful candidate will help discover and characterise biosynthetic enzymes and pathway intermediates, contributing to a broader effort to understand how plants form complex natural products and to develop novel biocatalysts and routes to bioactive compounds.

This opportunity is aimed at candidates with a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or a similar subject. Strong training in synthetic organic chemistry and the analysis and structural determination of small organic molecules is essential, especially NMR spectroscopy. Experience with natural products, biosynthesis, chromatographic separation, and HPLC analysis is desirable but not essential.

The role is a standard research associate appointment rather than a scholarship. It is fixed-term, full-time, and the salary is listed as £37,694–£46,049 per year (Grade 6). The application deadline is 2026-04-09.

Interested applicants should apply via the University of York jobs portal. Informal enquiries can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].