Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI/Ml-Driven Chemical Discovery

University of Liverpool; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK seeks a Postdoctoral researcher to enhance their research in AI/ML-driven materials chemistry. The candidate will develop cutting-edge algorithms for materials discovery and support junior colleagues. This position requires a PhD in relevant fields and offers a salary between £39,906 to £46,049 per annum, with potential for advancement upon PhD completion. The university values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in AI/ML-driven materials chemistry.
• Experience in developing machine-learning algorithms.
• Ability to integrate chemical knowledge with AI methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop optimisation and ML algorithms for material discovery.
• Integrate AI/LLM models with automated experimental platforms.
• Support PhD students and junior colleagues.

Skills

AI/ML techniques

Materials chemistry

Optimisation methods

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science

Job description

Overview

A Postdoctoral researcher position is available in the research group of Prof Andy Cooper.

You will bring your specialist expertise to strengthen areas that are relevant to our research, particularly by providing expert advice in AI/ML-driven materials chemistry.

This post will suit an ambitious individual motivated to produce step-change advances in new materials discovery and synthesis by developing cutting-edge active-learning (Bayesian optimisation) methods that integrate chemical knowledge by capitalising on Large Language Models (LLMs) as well as human knowledge.

You should have a PhD in Computer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science.

Responsibilities

• You will develop optimisation and machine-learning algorithms for human- and literature-informed discovery of new materials and improved reaction conditions, design and implement end-to-end workflows integrating AI/LLM models with automated experimental platforms and computational chemistry tools, prototype and evaluate novel approaches to experiment selection, active learning, and multi-objective or multi-fidelity optimisation in chemical systems.
• You will also be expected to take strategic responsibility for identifying and exploiting new research opportunities and supporting PhD students and junior colleagues in their projects as needed.
• The post is available for 2 years initially.

Career progression

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

How to apply

For full details and to apply online, please visit: recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

£39,906 to £46,049 per annum