Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct atomistic simulations on ultrathin ferroelectric films and develop innovative materials strategies.
- Company: Join the prestigious Physics Department at King’s College London, ranked in the top 10 UK universities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant city.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge materials research while working in central London.
- Qualifications: PhD in Materials modelling or related field, with strong programming and simulation skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with a two-year contract and a supportive, diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 47379 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Location: Strand Campus, London, United Kingdom. Application Deadline: 6 Oct 2025 – 00:00 (UTC). Type of Contract: Other. Job Status: Full-time. This role is not funded by an EU programme. The posting is for a postdoctoral associate position in the Physics Department.
Offer Description
About us
The postdoctoral associate position is based in the Physics Department at King’s College London, one of the UK’s best Physics Departments with the QS World University Rankings placing us in the top 10 universities in the country. The Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) comprises Chemistry, Engineering, Informatics, Mathematics, and Physics, all departments highly rated in research activities and a wide-ranging portfolio of education programmes.
About the role
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the group of Dr. Chiara Gattinoni — within the Theory and Simulation of Condensed Matter research group — on the materials modelling of ultrathin ferroelectric films. The overall goal of this research project is to produce strategies to manipulate the polarization in ultrathin ferroelectrics, and to design ferroelectric thin films possessing the desired magnitude and direction of the polarization.
The successful candidate will perform atomistic simulations, using both density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics, on ultrathin films of a range of ferroelectric perovskites of technological interest.
This position is supported by the EPSRC New Investigator Award grant “Customisable polarization in ultrathin ferroelectrics”.
The position is based in the Department of Physics, King’s College London on the Strand Campus in the heart of central London.
This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract with a two-year length.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- BSc in Physics, Materials Science or related subject
- PhD in Materials modelling, computational physics or related subject (either complete or close to completion)
- Excellent skills in programming and data analysis
- Experience of atomistic simulation techniques
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience of atomistic modelling of ferroelectric materials
- Experience in development and application of machine learned potentials
*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Application Details
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information on what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further Information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s. Through this appointment process, we aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV and a supporting statement detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include evidence against these where possible. To find out how our managers will review your application, please see our “How we Recruit” pages.
Salary and Contact
Grade and Salary: £45,031 – £47,379 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 126405
Close Date: 06-Oct-2025
Contact Person: Chiara Gattinoni
Contact Details: chiara.gattinoni@kcl.ac.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Modelling employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Modelling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former postdocs at King’s College London, especially in the Physics Department. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your atomistic simulation techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with ferroelectric materials and how you can contribute to Dr. Gattinoni's research group.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your programming skills! Bring examples of your data analysis work or simulations to the interview. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at King’s College London.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Modelling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match our needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. Be specific and provide examples from your past work that showcase your skills in materials modelling and atomistic simulations.
Show Your Passion for Research: We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their field. In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about materials modelling and how you see yourself contributing to our research group at King’s College London.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of materials modelling and atomistic simulations. Be ready to discuss your PhD research and how it relates to the role, especially regarding ferroelectric materials. This shows you're not just a candidate, but someone who can contribute meaningfully from day one.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your programming and data analysis skills. Bring examples of past projects or simulations you've worked on, particularly those involving machine learning potentials. This will help the interviewers see your practical experience in action.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions about the research group and ongoing projects. Inquire about Dr. Gattinoni's work and how your role would fit into the larger goals of the team. This not only shows your interest but also your proactive approach to understanding the position.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The Physics Department values collaboration, so showing that you can work well with others and fit into their inclusive culture is key. Be genuine and let them see the real you!
