Postdoctoral Research Associate in Artificial Molecular Machines

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Artificial Molecular Machines to work under the supervision of Professor Matthew Langton for a period of up to 24 months. The project involves the synthesis of molecular machines capable of interfacing with lipid bilayer membranes, including mechanically interlocked molecules and shuttles; and systems with controllable molecular motion.

In this role you will be expected to manage your own academic research and administrative activities, to supervise other team and lab activities when asked and to coordinate work to meet specified deadlines.

Find out more about the Langton research and group at: https://langton.chem.ox.ac.uk/home

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD in synthetic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry or a related area, (or be close to completion) prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires expertise in multi-step synthetic organic chemistry and characterisation of complex molecules, and expertise in quantitative supramolecular chemistry, physical organic chemistry and/or systems chemistry, and related techniques.

Expertise in analysis of functional molecular systems embedded in lipid bilayer vesicles, via a range of techniques including fluorescence spectroscopy, is desirable.

Since this is a laboratory-based role, this post will be based on-site in the Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA and is available as soon as possible. This is a full-time fixed-term role for up to two years, however requests for part-time or flexible hours may be considered.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (\<4 pages), please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description.

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, Wednesday 26 August 2026, UK time. Interviews will likely be held week commencing 14 September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.