Research Fellow in Computational Materials Science - School of Chemistry - 106607 - Grade 7

Work within the Michalchuk group’s research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.

Support computational materials modelling and inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy activities of the group.

Collaborate with local, national, and international partners to successfully deliver high-quality research outcomes.

Analyse and interpret research findings and results.

Contribute to disseminating research findings via appropriate platforms (such as conferences and academic publications).

Contribute to generating funding and licensing or spin-out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar.

Main Duties:

• Take a prominent role in delivering the research goals of the group.
• Conduct a research program, defined in agreement with the group.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding (including facility access).
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, etc.
• Supervise students on research-related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development, and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Collect research data through various methods, such as scientific experimentation, computer or numerical simulation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters, and for regular project updates to funders and collaborators.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, and in data security and research integrity, in all aspects of work.

Person Specification:

Subject Specific: The candidate should have, or be nearing completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in computational materials chemistry/physics, or related relevant area. The candidate must have demonstrable experience working with high-performance computing infrastructure. The candidate must have a strong track record in programming, preferably in Python. The candidate should have demonstrable expertise in computational modelling of solids, preferably using density functional theory methods. Previous experience in the use and/or development of machine learned interatomic potentials would be seen as a significant asset. Previous experience of inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy (or similar) would be seen as favourable.

General: High level analytical capability. Ability to communicate complex information clearly. Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes. Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project. Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.