At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in spectroscopy and molecular modelling for sustainable aviation fuels.
- Company: Join the UK Catalysis Hub, a leading consortium in catalysis research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong commitment to equity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing unique experimental and computational skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in vibrational spectroscopy and collaboration in quantum mechanical calculations required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
This role is part of the UK Catalysis Hub where the practical work will take place at the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH), working within the Hub laboratories. The UK Catalysis Hub is a national consortium of 46 universities, 15 companies, the STFC Harwell science facilities, and 13 international partners established in 2013 to coordinate and advance UK catalysis research and connect it internationally. Now in its third phase of funding, its priority research areas include sustainability and net zero, digital chemistry, and advanced characterisation methods. One of its core missions is to support the training and career development of early career researchers via community events.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to work at the interface of heterogeneous catalysis, in situ spectroscopy, and computational modelling to understand molecular behaviour in zeolite catalysts for sustainable aviation fuels. This one-year project brings together complementary expertise in catalytic testing and in situ spectroscopy with atomistic modelling and simulation of microporous catalysts. The work will focus on the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) process, a key route to sustainable aviation fuels, and aims to establish how adsorption, diffusion, and competitive site interactions within zeolite micropores govern catalytic performance, selectivity, and stability.
The project will involve catalytic testing in fixed-bed reactors and in situ FTIR/DRIFTS spectroscopy to probe adsorption, acid-site interactions, and reaction intermediates, alongside computational studies using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. The successful candidate will be based at Harwell and will work closely with both experimental and modelling teams, gaining experience across multiple techniques. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop an integrated experimental–computational skillset, with strong links to national facilities and future large-scale research programmes. There will also be opportunities to engage with industrial partners working on sustainable aviation fuels and advanced catalyst materials.
Both the UKCH and University of Bath are strongly committed to ED&I and RRI, with comprehensive strategies to tackle long-standing issues facing under-represented groups and key ethical issues, focusing on empowering, inspiring, connecting and upskilling more diverse leaders.
Ideal candidate will have experience in the use of vibrational spectroscopy to study the adsorption of molecules into porous materials, and experience of collaborating with expertise in quantum mechanical calculations or using such methods directly. Apart from excellent technical skills, good organisational, communication and presentation skills are essential for this role, as is the ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment. Interaction with partners of the UK Catalysis Hub and participation in their events will be expected.
This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role with an expected start date of September 2026 for 12 months.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
Closing Date: 08 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate in Spectroscopy and Molecular Modelling for Zeolite Catalysed Alcohol-to-jet-fuel Catalysis (SS13564) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters professional growth. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a comprehensive pension scheme, and a family-friendly environment, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, employees enjoy access to world-class research facilities and a supportive community dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in catalysis research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Spectroscopy and Molecular Modelling for Zeolite Catalysed Alcohol-to-jet-fuel Catalysis (SS13564) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the field of catalysis and spectroscopy. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with vibrational spectroscopy and molecular modelling. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, this will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in interdisciplinary environments and how you can contribute to projects like the alcohol-to-jet-fuel process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially those that align with the UK Catalysis Hub’s mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Spectroscopy and Molecular Modelling for Zeolite Catalysed Alcohol-to-jet-fuel Catalysis (SS13564) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your experience with vibrational spectroscopy and any relevant computational modelling skills. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with the exciting work at the UK Catalysis Hub!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for sustainable aviation fuels and zeolite catalysis shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the research and can convey that passion in their writing. It helps us see how you’ll fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Spectroscopy
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy and its applications in porous materials. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used and how they relate to zeolite catalysts, especially in the context of sustainable aviation fuels.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with both experimental and modelling teams. Prepare examples of past collaborations where you successfully integrated different expertise, particularly in quantum mechanical calculations or computational modelling.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex concepts in a straightforward manner, as you may need to present your findings or ideas to interdisciplinary teams and partners from the UK Catalysis Hub.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the UK Catalysis Hub's mission and its focus on sustainability and net zero. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with these goals and how you can contribute to advancing catalysis research in a meaningful way.
