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.

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 research and academic posts, eligibility under the Global Talent visa will also be considered.

What we offer in return:

- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – 42 days a year in total.
- 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.

For further enquiries, please contact Dr Andrew Scott, School of Chemical and Process Engineering ([email protected]).