Job Description

Applications are sought for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow to cover an 8 month maternity leave. The PDRA will work with Professor David O'Hagan, Professor Carlos Penedo and Dr Georg Hahner conducting research for an EPSRC funded project ''Exploring the interactions of polar fluoroaliphatic motifs with biomolecules''.


Depending on skills acquired the PDRA will be involved in single-molecule fluorescence and FRET microscopy and/or analysis by surface techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and XPS and/or organic synthesis of organo-fluorine motifs. Preference will be given to an applicant that can contribute to fluorescence and surface science.



The successful applicant will have (or have submitted) a PhD related and have acquired skills to be able to contribute to this programme.



The post is available for 8 months starting from 19th January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of

staff benefits

including:

Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies 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/children of staff, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme and a range of wellbeing initiatives

Further details of the project can be found in the job description or by contacting Professor David O'Hagan, do1@st-andrews.ac.uk



Applications are particularly welcome from qualified candidates from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.



Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing Date: 15 December 2025

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Please quote ref: AR2932MXSB

School of Chemistry



Salary: 38,784 per annum pro rata



Start: 19 January 2026


Fixed term for 8 months

School/Unit:

School of Chemistry

Posted:

28/11/2025

Closing date:

15/12/2025

Closing time:

23:59