Research Associate (Autonomous Lab for Materials Discovery)

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Manchester is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on innovative workflows for materials discovery. Candidates should have a PhD in relevant fields and proven programming skills. This role offers the opportunity to engage in high-impact research, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to leading publications. A strong commitment to equality and flexible working arrangements is valued.

Benefits

Fantastic market leading Pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Qualifications

• Proven proficiency in programming and in writing quality research papers is essential.
• Should have or be nearing completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in relevant fields.
• Strong expertise across multiple areas applicable to the role.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of autonomous discovery workflows that integrate multiple disciplines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate results.
• Produce high-quality publications and presentations.

Skills

Proven programming skills

Ability to write quality research papers

Strong interdisciplinary expertise across physics, chemistry, materials science, and AI/automation

Education

PhD (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position to work on Autonomous Lab for Materials Discovery within the Condensed Matter Physics Group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Manchester. The successful candidate will work at the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, and AI, developing workflows for autonomous discovery.

You may focus on experimental platforms (growth, characterisation, electrochemistry), computational modelling, or AI/automation, depending on your background. You will have obtained, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) by the starting date of the project in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields. Proven proficiency in programming and in writing quality research papers is essential. The project aims to appoint an individual with strong expertise across multiple areas (see the desired knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications section in the Job Description).

Candidate should be well-organised and self-motivated with excellent communication skills. The projects are expected to lead to high‑impact scientific publications and datasets, technological developments, and a strong boost in the PDRA’s career.

Responsibilities

Through the project, contribute to the development of autonomous discovery workflows that integrate experimental platforms, computational modelling, and AI/automation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate results through high-quality publications and presentations.

Qualifications

You should have or be nearing completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields. Essential requirements include:

• Proven programming skills
• Ability to write quality research papers
• Strong interdisciplinary expertise across physics, chemistry, materials science, and AI/automation (as applicable to your background)

Application process

Along with your application, please submit a single file containing your CV (highlighting research-related expertise and skills), a list of publications, and a research statement (max 3 pages).

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through the University’s social responsibility agenda, including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016 for its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.

We support applications from those returning from a career break and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. For further information, please visit the equality and diversity page at the University of Manchester.

Benefits

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at major retailers

Other information

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. The University supports flexible working arrangements.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that, due to the number of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback on your application. We are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Qian Yang

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.