Research Fellow

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Research Fellow

• Location: Te Aro
• Type: Contract
• Post Date: Wed Apr 5 22:34:05 2023
• Ref: 6184

• Are you interested in a 12-month fixed term contract as a Research Fellow in Computational Studies of X-Bonding in Ionic Liquids?
• Do you have direct experience in a numerical, computational or simulation-based discipline?
• Have you got a strong understanding of chemical bonding and non-covalent interactions?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Studies of X-Bonding in Ionic Liquids on a 12-month fixed term contract. There may be potential to extend this contract depending on funding.

Just emerging is the concept that ionic liquids (ILs) can support X-bonding; replacing H atoms (within traditional IL cations) with Br/I forms a σ-hole, which interacts with an anion forming a X-bond. Almost nothing is known about the X-bond within ILs. You will employ molecular quantum chemical calculations to identify stable structures, and subsequently interrogate the electron density and electrostatic potential energy surfaces. You will use the knowledge obtained to design and model new IL/DES which have the potential to deliver significantly enhanced X-bonding.

This position is funded by a Marsden grant awarded by the Royal Society NZ commencing on 1 July 2023 and is conditional on the awarded funds being delivered as contracted.

For more information about the role and key application information go to: http://www.huntresearchgroup.org.uk/openings.html

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Applicants will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline. You will have a strong understanding of chemical bonding and non-covalent interactions. You will have direct experience in a numerical, computational or simulation based discipline, OR high grades (A- or above) in relevant UG courses and a strong interest in developing computational chemistry skills.

It will be an advantage to have experience in any one of the following: computational chemistry, working in a Unix environment and/or programming/scripting skills, inorganic coordination or organometallic chemistry, ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents.

Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. You will be motivated, well-organised, with a strong work ethic, and be able to take the initiative.

Role Description

Closing Date for Vacancy: 26 April 2023

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please do get in touch with Professor Patricia Hunt ([email protected] ).

Important - Application Steps and information

For information on what to include in your "CV package" it is essential to follow the post-doc application information found at: http://www.huntresearchgroup.org.uk/openings.html

Download and complete the University Application Form .

Then, combine your cover letter, CV and the University Application Form into a single file (preferably in pdf format).

Click Apply Now Button at the base of the advert. Follow the process to enter your contact details and attach your combined file (CV, cover letter and the University application form) using the “CV/Resume” button.

If you have any issues uploading your application, please email the completed application form, cover letter and CV to [email protected]  stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.

Apply Now