Research Associate/ Fellow (Fixed Term)

University-of-Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,080 - 47,389; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and career progression

Staff discounts and benefits

Job summary

University of Nottingham seeks a Research Associate/Fellow to join its Hydrogen Research Group. The role focuses on the optimisation of metal (complex) hydrides and the development of solid-state hydrogen storage technologies.

You will engage in computational discovery, design, and modelling using atomistic and data-driven approaches. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field and strong experience in DFT or ML interatomic potentials.

Qualifications

• PhD (or close to completion) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong expertise in atomistic computational modelling of solid-state materials (DFT and/or ML interatomic potentials).
• Experience with Python-based workflows for ML potentials and high-throughput screening is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform computational discovery, design and modelling of metal hydrides.
• Develop, implement or adapt Python-based codes and workflows for ML interatomic potentials.
• Contribute to high-throughput computational screening and materials discovery.

Skills

Python programming

ML interatomic potentials

DFT experience

Education

PhD in Chemistry Physics or Materials Science

Tools

Density Functional Theory (DFT)

CALPHAD modelling

Phase-field modelling

Job description

Salary
£32,080 to £47,389per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date
Saturday 22 August 2026

Reference
ENG1828626

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate/Fellow to join the Hydrogen Research Group at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working at the forefront of hydrogen materials research. The project will focus on the optimisation of metal (complex) hydrides and the development of advanced solid-state hydrogen storage and compression technologies. A key aspect of the role will be the computational discovery, design, and modelling of metal (complex) hydrides using state-of-the-art atomistic and data-driven approaches.

About the team

The Hydrogen Research Group comprises five academic staff members, eight research fellows, and eight PhD researchers. The group brings together internationally recognised expertise in both experimental and computational hydrogen materials research, spanning materials synthesis, characterisation, atomistic modelling, and materials informatics. We maintain strong collaborations with industrial partners and leading research institutions worldwide, enabling impactful and translational research in hydrogen technologies. We are committed to providing a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive research environment and welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career pathways.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field. You should have strong expertise in the atomistic computational modelling of solid-state materials, with experience in density functional theory (DFT) and/or machine learning interatomic potentials.

We welcome applicants with a broad range of research interests and experiences who can contribute to our multidisciplinary research programme. Candidates should demonstrate experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Developing, implementing, or adapting Python-based codes and workflows for training machine learning interatomic potentials for solid-state materials.
• High-throughput computational screening and materials discovery, including the application of machine learning methods.
• CALPHAD modelling and thermodynamic assessments.
• Phase-field modelling of materials behaviour and evolution.

The successful candidate will be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, and will be enthusiastic about advancing hydrogen storage materials through innovative computational research.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays and university closure days)
• Access to training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Staff discounts, travel schemes, and a wide range of additional benefits

What next

This is a Fixed-Term position available for 2 years. Working hours are 36.25 hours per week (full-time).

Further information is available in the role profile.

Please contact Dr Sanliang Ling ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .