At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching hydrogen materials and optimise ammonia synthesis.
- Company: University of Nottingham, renowned for its collaborative and inclusive research environment.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, training opportunities, staff discounts, and a supportive workplace.
- Other info: Short-term role with excellent career progression and diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge hydrogen research while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 47389 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/Fellow to join the Hydrogen Research Group at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working at the forefront of hydrogen materials research. The project will focus on the optimisation of metal and complex hydrides for both the synthesis and decomposition of ammonia. This is an important part of the MariNH3 project which is due to finish on 30th June 2027. We have accumulated significant data on metal and complex hydride systems including neutron studies such as QENS and INS. Here we are looking for a suitable candidate who has expertise in both synthesis and characterisation and interpretation of such hydrides from these neutron studies. The post is a short term one (6 months).
The Hydrogen Research Group comprises five academic staff members, eight research fellows, and eight PhD researchers. The group brings together internationally recognised expertise in both experimental and computational hydrogen materials research, spanning materials synthesis, characterisation, atomistic modelling, and materials informatics. We maintain strong collaborations with industrial partners and leading research institutions worldwide, enabling impactful and translational research in hydrogen technologies. We are committed to providing a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive research environment and welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career pathways.
You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
You should have expertise in:
- Synthesis of metal and complex hydrides including reactive milling
- Characterisation of neutron and synchrotron data using packages such as Fullprof, Mantid, GsasII or equivalent
- Experience in analysing neutron and synchrotron data sets
The successful candidate will be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, and will be enthusiastic about advancing hydrogen storage materials.
What we offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- Generous holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays and university closure days)
- Access to training, development, and career progression opportunities
- Staff discounts, travel schemes, and a wide range of additional benefits
This is a Fixed-Term position available for 6 months. Working hours are 36.25 hours per week (full-time).
Further information is available in the role profile. Please contact Prof David Grant (david.grant@nottingham.ac.uk) if you have further questions about this role.
We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award. To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD).
Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham employer: Chemistry Guide
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of Computational Structural Biology. With competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to diversity, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to groundbreaking research in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides access to a wealth of resources and a strong network of international researchers, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Chemistry Guide, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Chemistry Guide. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Chemistry Guide. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Chemistry Guide. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chemistry Guide
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Chemistry Guide. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Chemistry Guide to drive research projects forward.
