Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (Computational Modelling of GLO)

University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience; Bristol (CT); On-site; GBP 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading academic institution as a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate focusing on computational modelling for next-generation scintillator materials. The role involves significant atomistic simulation and materials characterisation, making a crucial impact on new formulations with applications in nuclear technologies. A PhD in a relevant field is essential, alongside experience in advanced modelling techniques. The position offers competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, or similar discipline.
• Expertise in ab initio density functional theory and classical simulation.
• Experience with microscopy techniques and data analysis tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and model alternative formulations of GLO material.
• Conduct literature reviews and simulate effects of new GLO formulations.
• Collaborate with AWE and UCL on material properties and techniques.

Skills

Computer Modelling

Ab Initio Density Functional Theory

Classical Simulation of Inorganic Solids

Microscopy Techniques

Education

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Physics

Tools

FIB

Electron Microscopes

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Job description

The role

Applications are invited for a computational chemistry research position at the Interface Analysis Centre (IAC) facility within the University of Bristol School of Physics. The work is part of a larger program run by the AWE Nuclear Security Technologies in collaboration with University College London (UCL) and the University of Birmingham to develop next-generation scintillator materials. The work will focus on computational modelling to better understand the chemical structure and behaviour of a novel GLO scintillator (Gadolinium, Lutetium Oxide).

GLO is produced by sintering and hot-isostatic pressing of nanoscale powder. This results in a transparent, high-density, scintillator with a strong light-yield, albeit with a long afterglow. The long-term goal of the computational modelling is to predict the elemental changes required to reduce this afterglow with the least impact on light-yield.

The focus will be heavily on atomistic simulation using ab initio and classical potential-based methods using machine learning techniques where needed. However, there will also be the option to perform some materials characterisation to support the theoretical data. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented computer modeller to join an established materials characterisation facility at the IAC.

What will you be doing?

A Research Associate/Senior Research Associate candidate will investigate and model alternative formulations of the standard GLO material. They will work with AWE and utilise AWE partners and lead the manufacture of GLO variants to tailor properties of the material to suit different applications. The GLO material is a promising starting point but it currently has a long afterglow so this will be one of the primary areas to focus on (even if light yield is also reduced there would be more applications to which GLO would be suitable).

The candidate will initially conduct a literature review and investigate the computational methods required to model some new GLO formulations against current GLO and other industrial standards. Any promising results will be passed to UCL to influence their decision-making process for manufacturing the precursor. The majority of the work will focus on running simulations with the option to perform some microscopy techniques to complement the results of the computational work. AWE and their external partners will be able to investigate the new GLO formulation using their own techniques and share with US colleagues.

You should apply if

You have a PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics or a similar discipline or equivalent professional qualification/experience or be working towards one.

You are an experienced computer modeller with expertise in ab initio density functional theory and classical simulation of inorganic solids.

Experience with the use of FIB, electron microscopes and tools for analysis of research data are beneficial as are speciation techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, however, these are not a requirement and training is available.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for one year

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I or J/Pathway 2

Salary: Grade I £ 38,249 – 44,128 per annum or Grade J £42,882 – £48,149 per annum depending on experience

School/Unit: School of Physics

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 10/07/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Christopher Jones, [e-mail], 07779801379

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents

• ACAD108085- RA-SRA in Computational Modelling-JD.pdf
• Science Engineering Further Particulars 2024-2025.pdf