Research Fellow in Electronic Structure Modelling

Economics Network; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

Pension scheme (14.5%)

Health and wellbeing discounts

Personal development courses

On-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Job summary

The University of Leeds is seeking a talented researcher to join the School of Chemical and Process Engineering on a 5-month fixed-term contract at the Leeds Main Campus. The role involves contributing to investigations on triboelectrification mechanisms using density functional theory and ab-initio modelling.

Salary ranges from £41,064 to £48,822 per annum (Grade 7). The post offers generous benefits and is eligible for visa sponsorship where applicable.

Job description

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Working time: 100%

Contract type: Fixed term (5 months to complete specific time limited work)

Downloads:Candidate Brief (PDF)

Would you like to work on the fundamental mechanisms of triboelectrification at the atomic and molecular scales using Density Functional Theory to elucidate the underlying triboelectric charge transfer mechanisms? Do you have experience in ab-initio electronic structure modelling using Density Functional Theory to understand and predict materials properties? Are you interested in working in a multidisciplinary team proactively tackling technical tasks in parallel?

Electrostatic charge accumulation in powders and grains, due to collisional and sliding contacts of surfaces of solids, commonly known as triboelectrification, is a nuisance and source of hazards, and at the same time, it has great potential for exploitation, as in the fast-growing technology of Tribo-Electric Nano-Generators (TENG). The former adversely affects manufacturability, due to issues such as downtime, valuable product loss and negative environmental impact, whilst for the latter, the identification of durable and efficient functional materials is highly desirable. The capability to predict triboelectrification tendency of materials provides a great competitive edge in advanced manufacturing across a wide range of industries from food and pharmaceuticals to additive manufacturing, polymers and TENG.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Andrew Scott, School of Chemical and Process Engineering

Email: [e-mail]

£41,064 to £48,822 per annum (Grade 7)