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Darren Willcox

@dr-dwillcox.bsky.social
278 followers 236 following 50 posts

Lecturer @University of Manchester. Interested in low-valent transition metal complexes, organoaluminium chemistry and cyclopropanes

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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I have had a couple in cans too. Purchased from Amsterdam cafe in Whitley bay
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Great brewery. Love their beers
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Doesn’t work on google chrome for me either…
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Anna Slater @annagslater.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
We are hiring! tinyurl.com/4nstwsr3 2 year PDRA on flow synthesis & crystallisation of organic materials. Alongside the specific project focus, we are excited to work with you on your ideas to use flow in supramolecular chemistry. Closing date 21st August.
tinyurl.com
Job Specification
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
That’s a great size for Abt 12. I also think the 3 rules is an excellent beer both in the bottle and on tap
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Beautiful stuff Connie and team. I do like ‘unusual’ hydrides
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Love this place. Living in Radcliffe this is somewhat my local when I venture down that way
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David Mills @millsgroupchem.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Our latest work on high-performance dysprosium SMMs has been deposited as a preprint on @chemrxiv.org: chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10.... We get high hysteresis temperatures by combining the advantageous properties of amides and cyclopentadienyls 🙌@nfchilton.bsky.social @jackbwin.bsky.social
chemrxiv.org
Axial dysprosium cyclopentadienyl-amide single-molecule magnets with hysteresis up to 92 kelvin | ChemRxiv
Molecules showing magnetic memory effects at high temperatures could be used in high-density data storage devices. A magnetic hysteresis temperature (TH) of 100 K has been achieved for a near-linear d...
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Dave Leigh @profdaveleigh.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Online petition and open letter to the University of Nottingham in response to its plans for redundancies in the School of Chemistry. nottinghamchemistry.github.io/Open_Letter/
nottinghamchemistry.github.io
Save Nottingham Chemistry
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Sandy Kilpatrick @sandykilla.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
🚨 I’m looking for a PhD student to join my group at @leicesterchem.bsky.social as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Project on Ti complexes for CO2 valorisation & sustainable materials. #organometallics #catalysis Full training provided. Deadline 22 June. Start Sept 2026. le.ac.uk/study/resear...
le.ac.uk
Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Leicester
4 year Graduate Teaching Assistant PhD in Chemistry. University of Leicester
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Josh Abbenseth @joshabbenseth.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
We explored the photophysics of heavy T‑shaped Pn trisamides and uncovered unique behaviour✨ A fantastic collaboration with the Winter and Coburger groups, combining synthesis, spectroscopy, and theory. Stellar work by Katharina and Soti 👏 chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Phosphorescence of Heavy, T‐Shaped Pnictogen Trisamides in Solution at Room Temperature in the Near‐Infrared II Region
The unique photophysical properties of heavy T-shaped Sb and Bi trisamides are reported. A ligand-to-pnictogen charge-transfer excitation from a redox-active NNN pincer to a vacant pnictogen p-orbita...
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European Commission @ec.europa.eu · 09/04/2026
Big opportunities for researchers 🌍 We are investing nearly €400 million to help researchers share their work and collaborate with the best scientific teams across the EU. The 2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships are now open. More: link.europa.eu/PNxpxw
Graphic announcing the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call. It shows the opening date (9 April 2026), closing date (9 September 2026), and a budget of €399.05 million. The design features scientific visuals such as cells, a leaf, and lab elements on a dark background, with the European Commission logo at the bottom.
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Thanks Matt, your input in this work was very valuable!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
We found this more when using the ArBCl2 reagents as these were really sensitive but the boronate esters seem much less prone to quenching
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Thanks Marcus
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
In our latest pre-print we show it’s possible to access a range of diphosphinoborane ligands with different substitutions on either the boron fragment or phosphine fragment. Congrats to Ryan, @mattdv-t.bsky.social and David. chemrxiv.org/doi/full/10....
chemrxiv.org
Unlocking the Potential of Diphosphinoboranes: A Modular Route to Tunable Ambiphilic Ligands | ChemRxiv
A new synthetic approach to accessing a wide range of diphosphinoborane ligands and their coordination behaviour to low-valent nickel centres is described. The synthetic route negates the use of ArBCl2, which are challenging to access, and utilizes ...
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Kyle Pearce @kylegpearce.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Sharing for David: There’s a PhD studentship open in the Liptrot Group (@bathchem.bsky.social) - a great chance to get involved in some really exciting chemistry. Details here: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Cuprides – a Revolutionary Oxidation State of Copper at University of Bath on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Cuprides – a Revolutionary Oxidation State of Copper at University of Bath, listed on FindAPhD.com
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European Research Council (ERC) @erc.europa.eu · 17/04/2026
The number of grant applications is rising sharply. Our capacity for their evaluation isn’t. ERC President Maria Leptin explains why stricter resubmission limits are being introduced for 2027 calls and what they mean for applicants. 🔗 link.europa.eu/xF7kjc
link.europa.eu
ERC President explains stricter application measures amid rising demand for funding
The text of an open letter sent by ERC President Maria Leptin to ERC panel members, grantees and other stakeholders on 16 April 2026.
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Ewan Clark @clarkgroupchem.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
I've got a fully funded PhD position in my group at Greenwich, doing some fun ligand design and main group (aluminium) catalysis with phosphazenes and ylids - please, share widely and drop me an email at e.clark@gre.ac.uk if you're interested. www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Fully Funded Phosphazene Stabilised Ylids as Ligands for Aluminium Catalysis at University of Greenwich on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Fully Funded Phosphazene Stabilised Ylids as Ligands for Aluminium Catalysis at University of Greenwich, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Come and join us at UoM Chemistry with a MSCA PDRA fellowship. If you are interested in low-valent 3d metal chemistry (synth and catalysis) please email me directly. ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
ec.europa.eu
Commission invests close to €400 million for postdoctoral researchers
Today, the European Commission opens the 2026 call for the Marie Sk\u0142odowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a budget of €399.05 million. These fellowships support researchers holding a PhD to carry out their research activities abroad and acquire new skills in different disciplines and sectors. Researchers will benefit by working with leading scientific teams, contributing to the EU\'s competitiveness through their cutting-edge research.
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
I will keep you posted once we have tried it
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Congrats Olie, this is a really useful access point to Fe(I). I look forward to trying it to access our Fe(I) complexes directly without needing Na/Hg or KC8
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Congrats David, Mark and teams! I proposed something similar but with a different reagent and it got shot down by the funding agency. Nice to see this works in reality not just on paper
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David Mills @millsgroupchem.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
We are hiring! Two PDRAs in a collaborative project between researchers in the EPSRC National Research Facility for EPR Spectroscopy, Manchester Chemistry, and the Eddleman Quantum Institute. Please share: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai... www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
jobs.manchester.ac.uk
Research Associate in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry:Oxford Road
For recent publications relevant to the project see: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 27993; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15000; Nat. Commun. 2019, 10, 3330; Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 3003.
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Guillaume De Bo @guillaumedebo.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Your PhD was funded by the EPSRC (CDT, DTP, iCASE...)? You want to explore something new? Then come and join us with the support of an EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Fellowship. More information below. www.se.manchester.ac.uk/research/fel...
se.manchester.ac.uk
EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Fellowships | Faculty of Science and Engineering | The University of Manchester
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Congrats Mike, Graham and teams! Lovely paper. I wish our Fe-systems were so well’ behaved’!
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Cristina Trujillo @trujillo-group.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
PhD opening in Trujillo Group @manchester.ac.uk Fully funded EPSRC DTP on automated mechanistic studies in catalysis! Collab Dr Alegre-Requena (Zaragoza). July/Oct 2026 start. Details/apply: www.findaphd.com/phds/project... #phd #catalysis #compchem #ml
findaphd.com
EPSRC DTP - Automated mechanistic studies in catalysis with quantum chemistry and machine learning at The University of Manchester on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - EPSRC DTP - Automated mechanistic studies in catalysis with quantum chemistry and machine learning at The University of Manchester, listed on FindAPhD.com
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MehtaLab @mehtalab.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Thinking of doing a PhD in synthetic inorganic chemistry? Apply with the Mehta group. UK students only. Email me.
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Stefan Bon 🏳️‍🌈🎸🐕 @bonlab.info · 26/02/2026
We are looking for two talented people to join us at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick as assistant professors. Permanent positions. 🧪🍎🥽 warwick-careers.tal.net/vx/appcentre...
warwick-careers.tal.net
Assistant Professor in Chemistry x2 (111367-0226) - University of Warwick
Title: Assistant Professor in Chemistry x2 (111367-0226). Application Deadline: . Position Type: Permanent
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The PhD position within my research group is still open. This project is joint with Profs David Mills and Nik Kaltsoyannis looking at the synthesis and bonding in main group heterobimetallic dimetallocenes. Closing date 6th March www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Combined Synthetic and Computational Understanding of New Heterobimetallic Dimetallocenes at The University of Manchester on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Combined Synthetic and Computational Understanding of New Heterobimetallic Dimetallocenes at The University of Manchester, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Matthew Evans @evanschem.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
I am excited to announce a fully-funded PhD Scholarship in Molecular Bismuth Chemistry (and beyond) is now available in our research group at Flinders University. Advertisement: lnkd.in/g4T8JJ_U Group Website: isolobal.com #PhDPosition #OrganometallicChemistry #ChemistryResearch #PhDOpportunity
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Boron Chemistry @boron-chemistry.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Iron-borane catalyzed carbonyl hydroboration and isolation of an iron(I)-ketyl radical ( @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social ): www.nature.com/articles/s41... ( @nature.com , @nature.com.web.brid.gy ).
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Many thanks Dave!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thanks John!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thanks Josh!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thanks Matt! This one took a while to get there
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thanks Carl!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Thanks Meera. Congrats on your Nat Chem. paper too
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Our latest paper is out in Nature Comms describing the first Fe(I)-ketyl radical complex. Congratulations to Laura, Ryan, Adam and our collaborator David Robinson from Nottingham Trent. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Iron-borane catalyzed carbonyl hydroboration and isolation of an iron(I)-ketyl radical - Nature Communications
Homogeneous catalytic hydroboration represents a valuable strategy for the synthesis of alcohols but reports which employ iron-based catalysts are somewhat limited. Here, the authors report an iron me...
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Many congratulations Clare and Matt. Beautiful stuff!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Thanks Matt.
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Thanks Marcus.
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Thanks Mike!
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
First paper of the year and a wonderful collaboration with the @millsgroupchem.bsky.social. Congrats to Jake and the team for the mammoth effort. chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Unusual Reactivity of a Heterobimetallic Al─Zn Complex With a Carbodiimide
We show that subtly changing steric bulk about the Al─Zn bonds of heterobimetallic complexes can switch on reactivity with heteroallenes at the aluminium-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl moiety as well as...
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Meagan Oakley @meaganoakley.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
I'm currently advertising a two year PDRA position in simulating actinide X-ray spectra at @manchester.ac.uk. Feel free to DM or email me if you have any questions about this position. www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
jobs.manchester.ac.uk
Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Modelling X-ray Spectroscopies for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle :Manchester
Post-doctoral research associate in Modelling X-ray Spectroscopies for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle working with the Oakley group, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester.
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Cristina Trujillo @trujillo-group.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
📢 Postdoc fellowship – computational catalysis. Looking to support an outstanding early-career researcher interested in #CompChem catalyst design, mechanistic insight and QM + ML + experiment. ⏳ UoM internal deadline: late Feb 🔗 royalsociety.org/grants/newto... #Catalysis #Postdoc #NewtonFellowship
royalsociety.org
Newton International Fellowships | Royal Society
This fellowship is for non-UK scientists who are at an early stage of their research career and wish to conduct research in the UK.
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Darren Willcox @dr-dwillcox.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Postdoctoral fellowship opportunity- Looking to support an outstanding ECR interested in low-valent organoiron chemistry with an aim to develop new metalloradical based chemistry. If interested please email me directly. royalsociety.org/grants/newto...
royalsociety.org
Newton International Fellowships | Royal Society
This fellowship is for non-UK scientists who are at an early stage of their research career and wish to conduct research in the UK.
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Sandy Kilpatrick @sandykilla.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
🚨 PhD alert 🚨 Exciting opportunity to develop titanium-based catalysts for bio-derived carbonate materials. Fully funded EPSRC DLA PhD studentship (4 years), based in my group at @leicesterchem.bsky.social. 🧪 More info: le.ac.uk/-/media/uol/... 🗓️ Deadline: 7 February 2026 #ChemSky #PhDChat
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Josef Boronski @josefboronski.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
The group will soon be advertising a 3-year PDRA position @imperialchemistry.bsky.social. The successful candidate will research the synthesis and reactivity of complexes with alkaline earth-metal bonds. Start date: 03/26. Please get in touch for infomal inquries.
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MehtaLab @mehtalab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
We're Hiring! If you are interested in a PDRA post with the Mehta group, please apply! @ox.ac.uk @oxfordchemistry.bsky.social my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecru...
my.corehr.com
Job Details
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