Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Synthesis and Characterisation of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) University of Leeds in United Kingdom

Dr Andrea Laybourn at the University of Leeds is recruiting a 2-year postdoctoral research fellow (PDRA/Research Fellow) to work on the synthesis and characterisation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The project sits in the School of Chemistry and the Institute for Process Research and Development, and is funded through a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.

The successful candidate will help develop new stimuli-responsive MOFs using AI-guided self-optimising flow and microwave reactor platforms with real-time analysis. The role combines MOF synthesis, crystallisation studies, structure-property relationships, and advanced characterisation methods such as X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, pair distribution function analysis, total/diffuse scattering, IR, UV-vis, and gas sorption. The project also involves mechanistic work on nucleation and growth, kinetic modelling, and integration with optimisation workflows.

Eligibility highlights: a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline; strong experience in MOF synthesis and X-ray diffraction-based characterisation; and a track record of designing synthetic strategies and analysing crystallographic data. Experience with in situ methods, advanced diffraction, flow chemistry, or microwave technologies is desirable but not essential.

Funding and support: the post is funded for 2 years, with opportunities for career development, travel to partner universities, and support for national/international conferences and training. The advert does not specify salary in the post text.

Application deadline: Friday 3 July 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Leeds online advert.

Informal enquiries: [email protected].