Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Machine Learning

The role

Are you experienced in NMR spectroscopy, applied to chemical structure determination? We invite you to apply to undertake postdoctoral research in the group of Professor Craig Butts, developing and applying workflows for elucidation of 3D chemical structure based on NMR spectroscopic data, funded by an EPSRC programme in collaboration with Professor Andre Cobb at Kings College London. We are one of the leading groups in the UK and internationally in this field and are involved in several research collaborations, including projects with industry (AstraZeneca, Evotec and Genentech) and EPSRC-funded programmes of research, working with synthetic chemists to test our machine learning systems against challenging real world examples. The role holder will lead on a programme of computation and experimental measurement of NMR spectroscopic data and also liaise with our machine learning and data science teams to explore new frontiers in multi-modal automated structure determination. and will assist Professor Butts in mentoring his research group, coordinating day-to-day activities and providing support for post-graduate and undergraduate researchers.

What will you be doing?

• Developing and applying NMR experimental methods to determining 3D molecular structure
• Conduct computational studies of 3D structures to compare to the experimental NMR data
• Working with machine learning specialists in our team to develop experimental testing sets for their AI tools for 3D molecular structure elucidation, in particular synthetic catalysts or natural products of unknown conformation and constitution.
• Designing and helping prepare manuscripts in Professor Butts’ experimental NMR sub-group.
• Supporting the development of grant funding applications around 3D molecular structure elucidation.
  
  

You should apply if

• You hold a PhD (or are in final stages of preparing to submit for a PhD) in Chemistry and/or physical sciences.
• Have experience in using advanced NMR tools, such as multi-dimensional NMR for 3D structure determination
• Have an understanding of chemistry/molecular structure
• You enjoy collaboration across experimental, computational and data science.
  
  

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/12/2028

Work pattern: Full-time/ 1 FTE

Grade: Grade or J / Pathway 2

Salary: £39,906 - £50,253 per annum

School/Unit: School of Chemistry

Shift pattern: 35h /week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 30/04/2026

For informal queries please contact: Craig Butts (Professor of Structural and Mechanistic Chemistry): Craig.butts@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

Available documents

• Science_Engineering_Further Particulars_2024-25.pdf
• ACAD108545 RA or SRA in Machine Learning JD.pdf