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- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in computational chemistry and collaborate with top universities and industries.
- Company: Join Cardiff University, a leader in innovative research and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to present at conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sustainable chemistry and decarbonisation.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant fields; strong research and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the UK chemicals industry.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 46049 £ per year.
Overview
Advert
Research Associate in Computational Chemistry
Cardiff School of Chemistry, Cardiff University
We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on the Great British Chemicals hub to decarbonise industry in the UK. The platform is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It brings together 10 leading UK universities and over 30 industrial stakeholders. Cardiff University researchers will contribute expertise in atomistic and computational methods for catalysis, sustainable chemical processes, and systems integration, helping to deliver innovation from the lab to pilot scale.
The project will focus on multi-scale computational modelling of atomic level mechanistic processes in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and other relevant processes, the predictions from which will then dictate the direction of the experimental investigations undertaken by other partners.
Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in catalysis, computational chemistry, or relevant industrial experience.
For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Alberto Roldan Martinez at roldan-martinez@cardiff.ac.uk or visit Cardiff profile and roldan-group.com.
For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Ms Caroline Pasmore (ChemyHR@cardiff.ac.uk).
This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1 January 2026 for 3.5 years.
Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). It is not anticipated that an appointment will be made above £41,064 per annum (Grade 6.32).
To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 20670BR.
Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.
When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 20670BR.
Date advert posted: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
Closing date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We also consider flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.
Job Description
Main function
To conduct research within Computational Chemistry and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To conduct research within Computational Chemistry and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by producing measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
- To attend and/or present at conferences/seminars at local and national levels as required.
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including planning and organising the project and implementing procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share ideas for research projects.
Other
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions to raise the School’s profile and cultivate valuable alliances, pursuing collaboration opportunities.
- To undergo personal and professional development to enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work.
- Any other duties consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Established expertise and a proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following fields: multi-scale modelling; heterogeneous catalysis; working in large collaborative programmes; knowledge of the current status of research in the field; proven ability to publish in international journals and present at conferences; proven ability to attract competitive funding or understand how to develop funding applications; proven ability in effective and persuasive communication; ability to supervise others.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant professional qualifications (if applicable).
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Ability to adapt to changing Higher Education requirements and to develop internal and external networks to enhance research activities.
Additional Information
The Great British Chemicals (GBC) National Hub leads the UK’s transformation to a planet-positive chemicals industry, addressing sustainability, decarbonisation and circularity. It brings together a UK-wide consortium of 10 universities and diverse industrial partners, combining expertise across disciplines to deliver scalable, low-emission technologies and strategies for net-zero. GBC will target high-impact interventions, accelerate technology scale-up, and foster industrial symbiosis by using CO₂, recycled carbon, and renewable feedstocks.
Cardiff and Southampton partners will develop and apply experimental and multi-scale (atoms-to-systems) computational approaches to understand, optimise, and predict thermo-catalytic processes crucial for reducing fossil fuel reliance in chemical technologies. By integrating atomistic simulations with macroscopic insights, we will elucidate catalytic mechanisms, design efficient processes, bridge simulation scales, and evaluate economic and environmental impacts, including decarbonisation of catalytic processes such as ammonia synthesis.
Salary Range
Min: £41,064 per annum; Max: £46,049 per annum. Grade 6.
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Research Associate in Computational Chemistry employer: Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
Contact Detail:
Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Computational Chemistry
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the field! Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to computational chemistry. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build those relationships; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Show Off Your Research
Make sure to highlight your research portfolio when chatting with potential employers. Bring up your publications and any successful funding bids you've been involved in. We want to see you shine and demonstrate your expertise in multi-scale modelling and catalysis!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When reaching out to companies or institutions, tailor your message to show how your skills align with their needs. Mention specific projects or collaborations that excite you. We believe this personal touch can make all the difference in landing that interview!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to being part of our community. Let’s get you one step closer to that Research Associate role!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Computational Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in computational chemistry, especially any work related to catalysis and multi-scale modelling. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our research objectives. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Research Experience: Don’t forget to include details about your research portfolio and any publications. We love seeing evidence of your ability to publish in international journals and present at conferences, so make that stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered promptly. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the latest developments in computational chemistry. Be ready to discuss your past projects, methodologies, and findings in detail, as well as how they relate to the role at Cardiff University.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into multi-scale modelling and heterogeneous catalysis. Brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain complex ideas clearly. This will show your expertise and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of past collaborations. Highlight how you’ve built networks and influenced decisions in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your fit for the collaborative environment at the Great British Chemicals hub.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research objectives, funding opportunities, and the team dynamics at Cardiff University. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
