About the Role
We are seeking a talented and motivated Synthetic Organic Chemist to join our cutting-edge R&D team focused on the development of ligands for perovskite materials.
This is an exciting opportunity where you will be involved in a new activity and make meaningful contributions to
the development of our perovskite material and contribute to material science.
Our Values
- Knowledge
- Driven
- Unity
Location
Based in our custom built lab and office, based 10 minutes drive from central Oxford.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute multi-step organic syntheses of ligands for the surface engineering of perovskite materials.
- Develop and optimise synthetic methodologies for ligands that improve the chemical stability, optical properties, and device performance of perovskites.
- Functionalise ligands to enhance their interaction with perovskite surfaces, including surface passivation and shell modification.
- Characterise synthesised ligands and their interaction with perovskite materials using techniques such as NMR, FTIR, XRF, TEM, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy.
- Collaborate closely with Chemists, Material scientists & Physicists to ensure effective ligand integration into perovskite structures.
- Contribute to the optimisation of ligand-perovskite interfaces to enhance device efficiency and stability in ambient conditions.
- Communicate and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience and attributes
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, or a related field or a master’s degree and industry experience will also be considered.
- 2-5+ years of experience in organic synthesis, with a focus on ligand design, functionalisation, and surface chemistry.
- In-depth knowledge of modern synthetic methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and functional group transformations.
- Experience working under an inert atmosphere and familiar with Schlenk line technique in particular.
- Proficiency in purification techniques (e.g., chromatography) and the use of analytical instruments (e.g., NMR, HPLC, MS) to characterise organic compounds.
Advantage:
- Experience with surface modification and passivation strategies for nanomaterials or semiconductors.
- Familiarity with optical and electronic properties of materials and the effect of ligand chemistry on device performance.
- Experience with bioconjugation would be an advantage.
- Previous experience working with perovskite materials, quantum dots, or other colloidal nanocrystals.
- Understanding of ligand-exchange processes, binding affinity, and their impact on material properties.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work on complex, interdisciplinary projects.