Research Assistant

Applications are sought for a committed Research Assistant to work with Dr Craig P. Johnston conducting research for an EPSRC-funded project entitled ‘Catalytic Hydrofluorination for the Assembly of Chiral Fluorinated Building Blocks’. The primary duties will be to prepare starting materials and catalysts, optimise reaction methodologies, and fully characterise products.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Organic Chemistry with expertise in organic synthesis. Experience in base-metal catalysis and/or asymmetric synthesis would be advantageous.

The post is available for 6 months starting 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

St Andrews offers more than just a place to work it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Research Assistant includes:

• Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions

Closing Date: 20 October 2026

Please quote ref: AR3285SB

School of Chemistry

Salary: £32,080 per annum

Start Date: 01 October 2026

Fixed Term for 6 Months