The University of Sheffield
Research Associate in Modelling of Protein-metal Oxide Interactions
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The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits [here](opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We are seeking an ambitious and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in materials modelling. You will join an exciting team using protein mediated methods to explore the synthesis of functional inorganic materials. You will be developing modelling methods to explain and predict how molecular additives can be used to control the formation of particular phases and produce the desired properties. This will be in conjunction with a cutting-edge experimental team in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, and is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Perform molecular dynamics simulations on molecular systems in conjunction with particle interfaces and solvated ions.
- Develop forcefields for the study of inorganic materials and their interactions with water and solvate ions.
- Develop methods to interpret the level of interactions between molecular systems and inorganic units. Extend this to phase and morphology predictions.
- Connect these simulation results with experimental results to generate interpretation of data and guide experimental processes.
- Build predictive models for the design of molecular additives in conjunction with the team and external partners.
- Help to supervise PhD and Masters students as required.
- Play an active role in the work and activities of the team as a whole including impact events.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
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Criteria
| Essential Or Desirable | Criteria | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | A good honours degree in a relevant subject | Application |
| Essential | Hold a PhD or be close to completion (or have equivalent experience) in materials science, physical science or another relevant discipline. | Application |
| Essential | Experience in the use of a range of simulation techniques, particularly in the area of classical molecular dynamics | Application/Interview |
| Desirable | Experience of modelling Molecular Systems | Application/Interview |
| Desirable | Experience of modelling inorganic salts and magnetic systems | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Experience in the writing of scientific computer programs and scripts | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines. | Application/interview |
| Essential | Excellent written and spoken communication skills | Application/interview |
| Essential | Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office packages | Application/interview |
| Essential | Ability work independently and as part of a team | Application/interview |
Further Information
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £38,784 - £44,746 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: End date 29th February 2028, with the possibility to extend to 31st August 2029 subject to review
- Line manager: Project Co-investigator
- Direct reports: N/A
- Right to work in the UK: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
For informal enquiries about this job, contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on r.boston@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5496.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid-August. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.
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Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: [sheffield.ac.uk/vision](opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: [sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits](opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader opens in a new window. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision [www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision](opens in a new window) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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