Postdoctoral Research Fellow in High-Pressure Synthesis of Energetic Materials

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a postdoctoral scientist for a UK government-funded project in the School of Chemistry. The successful applicant will develop innovative high-pressure methods for polymeric CO, engaging in cutting-edge research at a leading academic institution with a strong focus on collaboration and excellence.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Defined benefits pension scheme

Staff discounts

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• PhD degree in high-pressure chemistry, physics, or related discipline required.
• Experience with diamond-anvil cells and high-pressure conditions.
• Demonstrated ability in high-quality research and publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop new high-pressure routes for polymeric CO preparation.
• Investigate recovered samples using analytical techniques.
• Work collaboratively with the research team at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility.

Skills

Experimental methods

Analytical techniques

Communication

Education

PhD in high-pressure chemistry or physics

Tools

Diamond-anvil cells

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum

College of Science & Engineering / School of Chemistry

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 12-month contract

The Opportunity:

The School of Chemistry are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral scientist to work on a UK government-funded project that will develop new high-pressure routes for the preparation and recovery of polymeric CO – an energetic material with a high energy density. Recovered samples will be investigated using a range of analytical techniques, with a focus on quantifying energy output and sensitivity to initiation by external stimuli.

The project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Colin Pulham in the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and Professor Craig Bull at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell.The successful candidate will be based predominantly at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility and will interact closely with Prof. Bull’s team of high-pressure research scientists.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in the area of high-pressure chemistry or physics, with extensive experience of the use of diamond-anvil cells and the collection and interpretation of spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction data under extreme conditions. Prior experience of the use of larger-volume pressure cells is desirable.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD degree (or equivalent) in high-pressure chemistry, high-pressure physics, or a closely related discipline.
• PhD training (or equivalent) in the use of diamond-anvil cells.
• Experience of the experimental methods and associated analytical techniques to prepare and characterise materials under high-pressure conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct, publish and otherwise disseminate high-quality research, with excellent paper outputs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - prepared to represent the collaborative team interact effectively with colleagues.

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The successful candidate will also have to satisfy the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 11th July 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held late July/early August.