Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Membrane-based separations are central to addressing major sustainability challenges
Membrane-based separations are central to addressing major sustainability challenges, from securing critical metal supplies for the energy transition to enabling energy-efficient water treatment. Developing the next generation of membrane processes requires predictive computational models that connect molecular-scale phenomena to system-level performance. However, the thermodynamics and transport behaviour of concentrated, multi-ion aqueous solutions remain poorly understood, limiting rational membrane design and process optimisation.
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) at the University of Cambridge welcomes applications
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) at the University of Cambridge welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project developing computational models for selective ion transport in complex aqueous mixtures. The research combines molecular simulation, thermodynamic modelling, and continuum transport theory to build predictive frameworks for membrane-based ion separations.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The role will involve
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand ion-solvent and ion-membrane interactions
- Development of continuum-scale transport models
This is an opportunity to be a member of a new research group working at the interface of molecular simulation, chemical thermodynamics, and membrane science.
You will report to
Dr Akshay Deshmukh (PI), a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at CEB. You will work alongside an experimental PDRA and collaborate with international project partners. You will have access to CEB's world-leading facilities and the broader Cambridge research ecosystem, including the Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
You will be expected to
- Publish in high-impact journals
- Develop and release open-source computational tools
- Present findings at international conferences
- Gain experience in research leadership, grant writing, and mentoring, with support from the PI to help you achieve your career development goals
Fixed-term
The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
- Please quote reference NQ50329 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
- The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
- The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Apply online
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills