Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

at  Durham University

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (Job Number: 25000158)
Department of Chemistry
Grade 7: - £37,999 per annum
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: Up to 18 months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 18-Feb-2025, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A good first degree in chemistry or related discipline
2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in chemistry or a related subject.

EXPERIENCE

1. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
2. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
3. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national/international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
4. Experience in computational and theoretical chemistry.
5. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
6. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
7. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

SKILLS

1. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
2. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
3. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
4. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

EXPERIENCE

1. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
2. Experience in molecular simulations (molecular dynamics and/or Monte Carlo methods) or liquid state theory (e.g., classical density functional theory).

THE ROLE AND DEPARTMENT

A World Top 100 department, the Department of Chemistry at Durham is one of the very best in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in research, teaching and employability of our students. We are an active and vibrant department, with a strong cohort of early career academics and future leaders. We hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our commitment to gender equality.

THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry with a particular emphasis on the statistical mechanics of liquid-solid interfaces. The successful candidate will work in the group of Dr Stephen Cox and the broad aims of the project are to elucidate the structure and dynamics of complex liquid-solid interfaces at a theoretical level. The main criteria for the role are a strong track record in world-leading research commensurate with applicant’s experience, along with a PhD in computational chemistry or related subject. Experience in molecular simulations (i.e., molecular dynamics and/or Monte Carlo methods) or liquid state theory (e.g., classical density functional theory) is highly desirable. The primary topic of research will be:

• Understanding how the solution environment impacts crystal morphology, with an emphasis of polar crystal surfaces [see, e.g., Sayer & Cox, JCP 153, 164709 (2020)].

The expected candidate will also be expected to engage other research topics in the group:

• Understanding the dynamics of charge/discharge processes in electrolyte and ionic liquid systems [see, e.g., Pireddu et al., PNAS 121, e2318157121 (2024)].
• Developing new theoretical approaches to efficiently describe solvation forces [see, e.g., Bui & Cox, J. Chem. Phys. 161, 104103 (2024); Bui and Cox, arXiv:2410.02556]

The successful applicant will be expected to work both independently and part of a team, and have excellent communication organisational and problem-solving skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
  This post is fixed term, with an end date of 30 September 2026.
  The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
  Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by as soon as possible noting the grant funding runs out 30th September 2026.
  Please note that a higher starting salary may reduce the overall duration of this contract, dependent on salary offered. This can be agreed with the successful applicant at the point of an offer being made.