A Postdoctoral Research Associate position with Chris Hardacre (University of Manchester) and Sofia Diaz-Moreno (Diamond Light Source) is available for 36 months (in the first instance) to develop a new suite of X‑ray techniques hosted at Diamond Light Source for the examination of a range of gas‑phase heterogeneously catalysed reactions.
The postholder will work as part of a team including academics from the University of Manchester (Ines Lezcano Gonzalez, Sihai Yang, Martin Schröder) and University College London (Andy Beale, Richard Catlow). Both X‑emission and X‑ray absorption techniques will be developed, including the design and build of in situ environments and the application of transient methodologies to identify intermediate species. These techniques will be exemplified for the conversion of CH₄/CO₂ to hydrocarbons and for NH₃ production, and used in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy to probe reaction mechanisms. This project is part of the UK Catalysis Hub funded by the EPSRC.
The successful candidate will be based in the Nancy Rothwell Building, University of Manchester, but will also spend time at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire at the UK Catalysis Hub and Diamond Light Source. You should hold (or be nearing completion of) a PhD in Chemistry, Materials, Chemical Engineering or a related subject, with specific experience in gas‑phase heterogeneous catalysis and the characterisation of catalytic materials using synchrotron radiation. You must possess excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Christopher Hardacre
Email: c.hardacre@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Application deadline: 05/05/2026 - This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=34762
