Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Chemistry – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
About us
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join the group of Dr Saidul Islam at the Department of Chemistry, King’s College London, as part of our programme investigating the chemical origins of life on early Earth.
The postholder will design, plan, and carry out the chemical synthesis of potentially prebiological molecules, study their (organo)catalytic functions in aqueous environments, and explore how they may have contributed to the emergence of early metabolic pathways.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of prebiotic chemistry in a supportive and growing research team, with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and fully equipped laboratories.
For more information about our research, please visit https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/saidul-islam and the following references to related research:
Fairchild et. al., Science (2024), 383, 911–918.
Islam, Nature Chemistry (2022), 14, 123.
Foden et. al. Science (2020), 370, 865.
Canavelli, Nature (2019), 576, 546.
Islam et. al., Chem (2017), 2, 470.
Islam et. al., Nature Chemistry (2017), 9, 584.
About the role
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including experience in multi-step synthesis and mechanistic studies, and particular expertise in NMR spectroscopy. Experience in solution- and/or solid-phase peptide and nucleic acid synthesis and their isolation and characterisation is highly desirable.
Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to contribute to the design and implementation of research projects, maintain accurate records and analyses, and prepare internal reports and publications.
In addition to the requirements outlined in ‘Key Specifications’, the postholder is required to have a
- PhD in organic chemistry or a closely related discipline (or near completion).
- Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis.
- Expertise in analytical techniques, particularly NMR spectroscopy.
- Experience in solution-phase and/or solid-phase peptide and/or nucleic acid synthesis, isolation, and characterisation.
- Demonstrated record of high-quality research, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience writing research outputs for publication.
- Demonstrable enthusiasm for understanding the chemical origins of life and the mechanistic logic of biochemistry.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Saidul Islam at saidul.islam@kcl.ac.uk . This post is advertised with an intended start date of 1st January 2026, but there may be flexibility.
This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until January 2029.
