Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry with a particular emphasis on the statistical mechanics of liquid-solid interfaces. The successful candidate will work in the group of Dr Stephen Cox and the broad aims of the project are to elucidate the structure and dynamics of complex liquid-solid interfaces at a theoretical level. The main criteria for the role are a strong track record in world-leading research commensurate with applicant’s experience, along with a PhD in computational chemistry or related subject. Experience in molecular simulations (i.e., molecular dynamics and/or Monte Carlo methods) or liquid state theory (e.g., classical density functional theory) is highly desirable. Potential topics of research include:

• Understanding the dynamics of charge/discharge processes in electrolyte and ionic liquid systems [see, e.g., Pireddu et al., doi: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-2ccrw].
• Understanding how the solution environment impacts crystal morphology, with an emphasis of polar crystal surfaces [see, e.g., Sayer & Cox, JCP 153, 164709 (2020)].
• Developing new theoretical approaches to efficiently describe solvation forces [see, e.g., Bui & Cox, arXiv:2402.02873]

The successful applicant will be expected to work both independently and part of a team, and have excellent communication organisational and problem-solving skills.

This post is fixed term, with up to 24 months of funding available that ends on 30/09/2026. The earliest possible start date is 02/09/2024.