Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymeric Materials Modelling

University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

29 days annual leave + holidays

Ride to work / EV car scheme

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a senior postdoctoral position focused on molecular modelling of cellulose oligomers and self-assembly in the plant cell wall. The role includes day-to-day supervision of PhD/MSc students, project supervision, safety, and manuscript drafting.

You will employ machine learning, molecular dynamics and high-performance computing (Isambard AI) to explore cellulose assembly and screen diverse oligomer structures, contributing to the group’s wider

Qualifications

• PhD in computational chemistry, computational materials science or a relevant discipline.
• Proven research skills demonstrated by publications or projects.
• Experience in molecular modelling of polymers, polysaccharides or cellulose.
• Scientific scripting or programming ability.
• Desirable: molecular modelling and simulation during PhD.
• Desirable: ability to present complex information to varied audiences.
• Desirable: experience manipulating and visualising large datasets.

Responsibilities

• The conducting of high-quality and publishable research in the molecular modelling of cellulose and related materials using advanced simulations and ML techniques on HPC platforms.
• Analysing and interpreting data and making significant input to the project direction.
• Preparation and presentation of regular progress reports.

Skills

Molecular modelling

Polymer dynamics

Programming / scripting

Research skills

Education

PhD in computational chemistry / computational materials science

Job description

A senior postdoctoral position is available for an ambitious individual to carry out the molecular modelling of cellulose oligomers investigating the self-assembly of the polymer in the plant cell wall. The senior postdoctoral assistant will also assist another postdoctoral researcher in the day-to-day supervisorial activities for Eichhorn’s wider group of diverse PhD and MSc students, including project supervision, health and safety, and assistance with the drafting of manuscripts.

The successful applicant will undertake a fundamental study of the assembly of cellulose, using a unique approach of cellulose oligomers that have surfactant-like properties. There have many recent attempts to synthesize cellulose analogues in the laboratory, through self-assembly methods using enzymatic produced oligomeric forms. This work will pave the way for the practical assembly of cellulose oligomeric forms by screening large arrays of structures with different moieties and charges. To effectively do this, the postdoctoral researcher will combine machine learning, molecular dynamics simulations and high performance computing (Isambard AI).

Applicants must have a PhD in an appropriate area of computational chemistry or a related discipline and experience in the molecular modelling of polymers, polysaccharides, and preferably cellulose. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Steve Eichhorn (Email: [e-mail]).

You will be responsible for:

• The conducting of high-quality and publishable research in the area of the molecular modelling of cellulose and related materials e.g. other plant cell wall polymers. This will involve the implementation, execution and analysis of advanced molecular simulations, the use of machine learning techniques and deployment on state-of-the‑art high performance computing platforms. Through interaction with the PI and other members of the team, contributing proactively to the development, progression and execution of the project
• Analysing and interpreting data and make a significant input to the scientific direction of the project
• Preparation and presentation of regular reports on research progress

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Ph.D. in computational chemistry, computational materials science or a relevant discipline
• Proven research skills
• Scientific scripting / programming
• Experience in molecular dynamics simulations of polymers

Desirable Criteria

• Molecular modelling and simulation experience during PhD
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Experience of manipulating and visualizing large datasets

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Professor Steve Eichhorn

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Applications close at midnight on the closing date

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below