Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catalysis and Machine Learning

University of Manchester; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in Catalysis and Machine Learning. Successful candidates will support groundbreaking research aimed at developing innovative tools for analyzing catalytic processes, collaborating with experts in chemistry and machine learning. This opportunity promises a competitive salary, substantial benefits, and a commitment to fostering diversity in research environments.

Benefits

Fantastic market leading Pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Additional paid closure over the Christmas period

Local and national discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Proven track record in catalysis and organic chemistry.
• Experience in computational chemistry and/or machine learning.
• Computer programming experience, preferably in Python.

Responsibilities

• Explore machine learning tools for analyzing kinetics.
• Develop mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on project goals.

Skills

Machine Learning

Catalysis

Organic Chemistry

Computer Programming (Python)

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Catalysis, Physics, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Catalysis and Machine Learning

University of Manchester

Manchester

GBP 10,000 - 40,000

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: University of Manchester

Duration: Up to 36 months

Two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are available for outstanding and ambitious researchers to join Prof. Igor Larrosa’s team at the University of Manchester, working on Machine Learning, Catalysis, and Organic Chemistry.

The project, funded by EPSRC, will involve exploring the use of machine learning to develop new tools for the analysis of kinetics and their application to the mechanistic understanding of catalytic processes, with a focus on homogeneous catalytic processes of interest in organic chemistry. This collaborative project with the Bures group (ICIQ) will build on proof-of-principle work recently published in Nature 2023, 613, 689.

The successful candidates will have a PhD in chemistry, catalysis, physics, or chemical engineering with a proven track record in catalysis, organic, computational chemistry, and/or machine learning with experience in computer programming (preferably Python). The positions are full-time and available for up to three years, in the first instance. Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Igor Larrosa ([e-mail]).

The post will be based in the Chemistry Building at the Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, and is available from 1st May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications should include a supporting statement and a CV. Forms and further particulars are available from our website www.manchester.ac.uk/jobs .

The School of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognizes their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit.

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here .

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs, or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.