Job Description

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Assistant on a 12-month contract at the Natural Sciences and Science Education Academic Group. Project Title: Environmentally friendly catalysts for the construction of carbon-heteroatom bonds [RI 2/21 TYC] Project Introduction: Transition-metal catalyzed carbon-heteroatom strategies for the generation of selective carbon-nitrogen, carbon-sulfur and carbon-oxygen bonds has emerged as a versatile strategy for chemical synthesis. In particular, the intense demand for these strategies has been driven by its applications in producing key intermediates which are prevalent building blocks for the construction of many natural products and pharmaceuticals. The vast majority of the existing protocols for performing this type of transformation have been accomplished using toxic and expensive transition metals such as palladium, nickel, rhodium and ruthenium metal catalysts. In most instances, the catalysts are easily rendered ineffective unless carried out under stringent inert conditions and anhydrous solvents. Generally, the catalytic systems based on such transition metals are perceived as expensive methodologies with higher toxicity. Despite advances made in C-heteroatom bonds formation reactions, there is still a pertinent need to develop new protocols that are less toxic, sustainable, and experimentally simple. In this project, we aim to address this challenge by applying more environmentally benign metal salts as catalysts for C-heteroatom bonds formation reactions. Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Chemistry or closely related field
• At least one year of experience working in a chemistry lab
• Experience in synthesis and characterization of organic compounds
• Experience with a broad range of organic synthesis techniques (e.g. handling of air and/or moisture sensitive chemicals and carrying out experiments under inert atmosphere)
• Practical experience in purification methods (e.g. flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, crystallization and distillation)
• Experience with interpretation of results obtained by spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV/Vis, 1H and 13C NMR)
• Experience in performing literature searches using chemistry databases and in applying the results to solve synthetic challenges in the lab
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Meticulous and systematic
• Responsible and accountable for tasks

• Experience in metal mediated cross coupling and/or C-H activation reactions is a plus

Responsibilities

• Perform organic synthesis and apply the appropriate method to isolate/purify the compounds
• Able to develop and trouble shoot synthetic methods directed to the target molecules
• Carry out basic analytical techniques to isolate and purify the synthesized compounds
• Perform structural analysis of the synthesized compounds using NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectrophotometry methods
• Able to innovate both in the design of synthetic methods and in the generation of new protocols for the metal mediated reactions.
• Procurement of chemicals and other laboratory supplies weekly and keep a close watch on expiration dates to ensure quality control in the lab
• Ensure that the laboratory complies to the safety regulations of the institution
• Other duties as assigned by PI

Application Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Closing Date Closing date for advertisements will be set to 28 calendar days from date of posting. Other Information NIE staff can take chartered buses at their own expense from or near their homes to the NIE campus. This is subject to availability of seats. Hiring Institution: NIE In line with Singapore’s nationwide Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS), employees must be fully vaccinated to return to the workplace, unless certified to be medically ineligible. For Information on VDS, please click here .