Job Details

Type: Full-Time

Salary: £47,389 – £56,535 per year
Posted: 11/11/2025
Category: Chemistry
Department: Department of Chemistry
Grade: 8
Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Open-Ended / Permanent
Closing Date: 04 January 2026 (11:59 PM)
DBS Requirement: Not Applicable

Position: Assistant Professor in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry

Durham University’s Department of Chemistry—ranked among the UK’s best—is seeking an Assistant Professor specializing in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry. Areas of interest include:

• Chemical Catalysis (homogeneous or heterogeneous)

• Bioinorganic Chemistry

• Hard/Energy Materials

The successful candidate will teach core inorganic chemistry (lectures, tutorials, workshops, labs) and contribute to curriculum and course development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

About Durham University

Durham is a world-class institution known for excellence in research, teaching, and student experience. The University values community, inclusion, and academic excellence. The Chemistry Department holds an Athena Swan Silver Award and maintains strong collaborations across the University and with industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce original, significant, and rigorous research

• Pursue national and international research funding

• Teach and supervise at undergraduate and postgraduate levels

• Contribute to curriculum development

• Engage in departmental service, citizenship, and academic values

• Support and enhance Durham’s inclusive academic community

• Supervise research students and participate in departmental activities

Essential Requirements

Research

• PhD + postdoctoral experience in inorganic chemistry (or related field)

• Evidence of internationally excellent or world-class research outputs

• Two exemplar publications (published or submitted)

• A competitive 2-page personal research plan aligned to synthetic inorganic chemistry and department strengths

Education

• Evidence of effective, engaging teaching in inorganic chemistry

• Experience contributing to innovative teaching and assessment

• Potential to shape high-quality, research-led curricula

Service, Citizenship & Values

• Participation in departmental/University administration and student support

• Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Experience contributing to academic leadership (desirable)

Desirable Criteria

• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (or ability to obtain)

• Research group leadership or mentoring experience

• PhD supervision experience

• Demonstrated research impact beyond the institution

• Experience with income generation / research proposals

• Interest or experience in data-led science, automation, or computational chemistry

Application Instructions

Required Documents (PDFs, max 5 MB each):

1. CV (max 2 pages)

2. Cover letter (max 2 pages)

3. Personal research plan (max 2 pages)

4. Two significant research outputs

5. Summary table showing how all essential/desirable criteria are met

6. Accessible links to publications where possible

References:

• Provide 3 academic referees (not your PhD supervisor if possible)

• References requested only for shortlisted candidates with your permission

Selection Process:

• Long-listed candidates' submitted work will be reviewed

• Shortlisted candidates will present research & teaching sessions

• Interviews expected week of 23 November 2026