The University of Manchester
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymeric Materials Modelling
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About the Role
A senior postdoctoral position is available for an ambitious individual to carry out the molecular modelling of cellulose oligomers investigating the self-assembly of the polymer in the plant cell wall. The senior postdoctoral assistant will also assist another postdoctoral researcher in the day-to-day supervisorial activities for Eichhorn’s wider group of diverse PhD and MSc students, including project supervision, health and safety, and assistance with the drafting of manuscripts.
The successful applicant will undertake a fundamental study of the assembly of cellulose, using a unique approach of cellulose oligomers that have surfactant-like properties. There have been many recent attempts to synthesize cellulose analogues in the laboratory, through self-assembly methods using enzymatic produced oligomeric forms. This work will pave the way for the practical assembly of cellulose oligomeric forms by screening large arrays of structures with different moieties and charges. To effectively do this, the postdoctoral researcher will combine machine learning, molecular dynamics simulations and high performance computing (Isambard AI).
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Responsibilities:
- Conducting high-quality and publishable research in the area of the molecular modelling of cellulose and related materials e.g. other plant cell wall polymers. This will involve the implementation, execution and analysis of advanced molecular simulations, the use of machine learning techniques and deployment on state-of-the-art high performance computing platforms.
- Analyzing and interpreting data and making a significant input to the scientific direction of the project.
- Preparation and presentation of regular reports on research progress.
Essential Criteria:
- Ph.D. in computational chemistry, computational materials science or a relevant discipline.
- Proven research skills.
- Scientific scripting / programming.
- Experience in molecular dynamics simulations of polymers.
Desirable Criteria:
- Molecular modelling and simulation experience during PhD.
- Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
- Experience of manipulating and visualizing large datasets.
Our Benefits:
- Generous employer contribution pension.
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure.
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available.
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For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
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Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Professor Steve Eichhorn
Email Address: s.j.eichhorn@bristol.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below
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