Postdoctoral Research Fellow in High-Pressure Synthesis of Energetic Materials

The University of Edinburgh; Scotland; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a project focused on high-pressure synthesis of energetic materials. The role involves developing innovative methods to prepare and analyze polymeric CO, requiring expertise in high-pressure techniques and solid research capabilities. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to significant research outputs.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in high-pressure chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with diamond-anvil cells and analytical methods under high pressure.
• Ability to conduct and publish high-quality research.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-pressure routes for polymeric CO preparation and recovery.
• Characterize materials under high-pressure conditions.
• Publish and disseminate research findings effectively.

Skills

Communication

Research Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

PhD in high-pressure chemistry or physics

Tools

Diamond-anvil cells

Spectroscopic techniques

X-ray diffraction

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in High-Pressure Synthesis of Energetic Materials, Midlothian

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Client:

The University of Edinburgh

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

a1ae4919862d

Job Views:

4

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

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.

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