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

An exciting opportunity awaits at a prestigious institution for a postdoctoral scientist specializing in high-pressure chemistry. This role involves pioneering research on polymeric CO, utilizing advanced techniques like diamond-anvil cells and spectroscopic analysis. You will work closely with leading experts in a dynamic environment, contributing to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Join a vibrant international community where your skills and insights will be valued, and enjoy comprehensive benefits that enhance your work-life balance. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a collaborative setting, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Defined benefits pension scheme

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• PhD required in high-pressure chemistry or physics.
• Experience with diamond-anvil cells and analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on high-pressure polymeric CO preparation.
• Collaborate with teams at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility.

Skills

High-pressure chemistry

High-pressure physics

Diamond-anvil cells

Spectroscopic data interpretation

X-ray diffraction data analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in high-pressure chemistry

PhD in high-pressure physics

Tools

Diamond-anvil cells

Larger-volume pressure 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 highly motivated and enthusiastic 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 16th May 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 May/early June