Research Fellow in Electronic Structure Modelling

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leeds invites applications for a Research Fellow in Electronic Structure Modelling to investigate triboelectrification mechanisms at atomic and molecular scales using Density Functional Theory. You will explore ab-initio electronic structure modelling to predict material properties and contribute to a multidisciplinary team tackling technical challenges in parallel.

This role offers the opportunity to advance understanding that could reduce manufacturing losses and enable

Job description

Research Fellow in Electronic Structure Modelling

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.