At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposals in soft matter and surfaces.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading research-based university.
- Benefits: Gain international experience, access advanced tools, and develop your career.
- Other info: Engage in a dynamic research environment with global academic collaborations.
- Why this job: Become a research leader while collaborating with top experts and industries.
- Qualifications: PhD holders with up to eight years of research experience are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 34335 - 41965 £ per year.
We are inviting talented researchers holding a PhD and with no more than eight years of research experience to prepare competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) proposals with the University of Birmingham as Host Institution.
Research Areas of Interest
- Soft matter (surfactants, polymer, colloids etc.) science and engineering
- Surface and interface
- Sustainable and circular material
- Non-destructive sensing
Why Apply?
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers' careers by providing opportunities to gain international experience, acquire new skills, and expand professional networks. As a Fellow in our group, you will:
- Join an internationally recognised research team consisting of three Research Fellows and twelve Doctoral researchers
- Access a comprehensive range of characterisation tools covering multiple length scales
- Benefit from strong links with industrial collaborations both in the UK and across Europe
- Engage with academic collaborations globally
- Co-create a bespoke career development plan in becoming a research leader
Applicants:
- Must hold a PhD at the time of the call deadline (applicants who have successfully defended but not yet formally been awarded the degree are eligible)
- Must have no more than eight years of research experience from the date of PhD award (career breaks and time outside research do not count toward this maximum)
- Must comply with mobility rules: not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline
- Must demonstrate a strong research background and interest in one or more of the topics listed above
Your main supervisor will be Professor Zhenyu Jason Zhang who is a Professor of Soft Matter Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham. He leads multiple large research programmes funded by UK Research & Innovation, EU Horizon Europe, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. He has a broad interest in tribology, surface science and engineering, and polymer physics, applying them in practical applications such as Formulated Products, Surface Coatings, Healthcare Technologies, and Food Engineering.
More information about the research group can be found here: https://www.zhenyuzhang.info
Host Institution
Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is one of the leading research-based universities in the United Kingdom; the breadth of research expertise is a distinctive characteristic of the University. The last UK Research Excellence Framework 2021 confirmed that 92.5% of the University’s research has global reach, meaning it is recognised internationally in terms of its originality, significance, and rigour. Birmingham is 76th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings (and ranked 38th globally in Sustainability), cementing our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 31st among the International Research Network (IRN), which evidences highly effective global research partnerships and networks.
MSCA Postdoc Fellowship: Soft Matter & Surfaces employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MSCA Postdoc Fellowship: Soft Matter & Surfaces
✨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 University of Birmingham, 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 University of Birmingham. 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 MSCA Postdoc Fellowship: Soft Matter & Surfaces
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 University of Birmingham. 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 University of Birmingham. 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 University of Birmingham
✨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 University of Birmingham. 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 University of Birmingham to drive research projects forward.
