Senior Research Associate/Research Associate in Computational Chemistry

at  Newcastle University

SALARY:

Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annum
Senior Research Associate: £ 45,585 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 23 June 2024
The Role
We are looking to appoint a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate (depending on experience) in Computational Chemistry for a 2-year position in the team of Dr Daniel Cole at Newcastle University, as part of his prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship award “Next Generation Atomistic Modelling for Medicinal Chemistry and Biology”.
The successful applicant will use quantum chemistry, combined with cross-disciplinary work in data science, to deliver molecular mechanics force fields that bridge the gap to quantum mechanical accuracy for biological modelling and computer-aided drug discovery. They will work with project partners at the Open Force Field Initiative , an international academic-industry partnership, to use data-driven approaches to improve the functional form of the molecular mechanics force field. They will collect and analyse the data needed to increase the throughput and accuracy of force field parameterisation, and interface the developed open software packages and methods with workflows for structure-based drug design.
This position is very well funded and will provide opportunities, such as secondment periods with the Open Force Field Initiative, and a generous career support package.
We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.
To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Daniel Cole .
Key Accountabilities
Design and validate computational protocols for molecular mechanics force field design and structure-based drug discovery
Liaise with the principal investigator to plan, organise and carry out the work programme
Disseminate research results through appropriate media. This will include authoring or co-authoring papers for publication in high-quality academic journals
Contribute to inter-disciplinary and industry collaborations
Contribute to open source software packages
Additionally for Senior Research Associate
Train Ph.D. students in theoretical techniques and computational methods and help to mentor early career scientists
Independently identify research objectives and potential funding sources and prepare and draft proposals for funding
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Experience in classical molecular mechanics
Knowledge of quantum mechanical calculations and force field design
Experience in developing computer code
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex or technical information
High level of problem solving capacity
Desirable
Experience in software and applications of machine learning
Experience with the Open Force Field software stack
Experience in structure-based computer-aided drug design
A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognised journals
Essential for Senior Research Associate
Substantial postdoctoral experience in the subject area, including developed methodological skills
Experience in designing computational tools and workflows in molecular modelling
Evidence of a strong publishing track record
Evidence of leadership potential, including developing and delivering collaborative research projects
Attributes and Behaviour
Capacity for original thought
Enthusiasm and a strong work ethic
Ability to interact with researchers with different backgrounds, at all levels, from across the University
Ability to communicate scientific results to a broad or non-specialist audience
Ability and willingness to work in interdisciplinary environments
Committed to embedding the values of equality and diversity in all aspects of your work
Well-developed interpersonal communication skills that enable you to engage external and internal stakeholders and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject, such as chemistry or physics
A Ph.D. in the field of computational chemistry or physics or a related discipline
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 2713

Please refer the Job description for details