Postdoctoral Research Scientist

FORDHAM University; City Of London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the United Kingdom seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct computational research and software development. The candidate will focus on machine learning applications for critical mineral separations. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in a related field and experience in scientific programming. Minimum salary starts at $65,000, with a comprehensive benefits package provided.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition remission

Generous time off

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree/experience in a related field.
• Experience in scientific computer programming is necessary.
• High attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform scientific research on applications of machine learning and AI.
• Write computer programs needed to perform research tasks.
• Mentor students aligned with career development plans.

Skills

Scientific computer programming

Excellent communication

Project management skills

Collaborative work

Attention to detail

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

Python

SQL

Flask

Job description

Fordham University

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Caldera Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Center in the United Kingdom.

Benefits Package

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Bepler Chair, the Postdoctoral Research Scientist performs computational research, software development, and data processing to support research and development of new lanthanide and actinide separation methods. This postdoctoral researcher aims to advance the state of critical mineral separations by combining machine learning, atomistic simulation, and automated experimentation. Work focuses on computational research, specifically machine learning/AI aspects of extracting design and experimental optimization in close collaboration with researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The role also includes the maintenance and continued development of the SAFE database (https://safe.lanl.gov), an emerging international resource for sharing data in the field.

Responsibilities

• Perform scientific research on applications of machine learning and AI to lanthanide and actinide separations.
• Write computer programs needed to perform research tasks and database maintenance.
• Write scientific papers and other technical publications describing the research.
• Communicate with technical staff at Los Alamos National Laboratory and NERSC and present work at conferences.
• Mentor students (as aligned with career development plans).

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities

Not responsible for supervision or oversight of others.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience

Ph.D. or equivalent degree/experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (ABD or upcoming graduation is permitted).

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in scientific computer programming is necessary.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to apply research methodologies and write reports.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively.
• High attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Python.
• Experience with machine learning methods for chemistry is highly desirable.
• Experience with SQL and Flask for web database development is highly desirable.
• Experience with f‑element chemistry and/or separation science is highly desirable.

Salary

Minimum Starting Salary $65,000. Maximum Starting Salary $70,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Union Status

Is this a Union position? No

Posting Information

Posting Number A952P. Number of Vacancies 1. Start Date ASAP. Posting Date 10/07/2025.

Electronic EEO Statement

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Activity and Work Environment

Sitting Not Required. Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing) Often. Hearing, Listening, Talking Often. Standing Not Required. Walking Not Required. Running Not Required. Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, squatting, Crouching, Crawling Not Required. Climbing stairs Not Required. Climbing ladders Not Required. Reaching overhead Not Required. Pulling, pushing Not Required. Shoveling Not Required. Lifting – up to 20 pounds Not Required. Lifting – up to 50 pounds Not Required. Lifting – over 50 pounds Not Required. Work Environment Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Supplemental questions you will be required to answer on the application (No action is needed on this page)

• * Do you have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree/experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (ABD or upcoming graduation is permitted)?
  • Yes
  • No