Postdoctoral Research Associate In Machine-Learning Assisted Automation For Net-Zero Materials Discovery

A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Professor A. I. Cooper FRS to work in a team of scientists funded by the E.PS. R.C. Prosperity Partnership `Cleaner Futures (Next-Generation Sustainable Materials for Consumer Products)¿. The part of the project led by Prof. Cooper will focus on development of automated and robot-assisted testing methods to evaluate physicochemical properties (e.g. biodegradability) of materials developed by researchers at University of Oxford.

We seek a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead the development of automated (machine-learning assisted) methods for reaction monitoring and the characterisation of novel biodegradable materials. You will have a key role in developing the machine-learning methods and will closely collaborate with chemists in the Cooper group and other collaborators. The aim is to automate where possible to free up researcher time.

You should have a PhD in relevant field (Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials Science or Physics etc.), expertise in machine learning is essential, chemistry, materials science or data science background would be advantageous.

This partnership will address how to achieve the UK Government's 2019 target of Net-Zero by 2050, through disruptive innovation in the current chemical supply chain. The project will deliver a wide range of outcomes and impacts including new scientific platforms for designing and inventing renewable and bio-degradable materials, and new routes to make these materials. We will exploit unique high-throughput robotic synthesis capabilities, coupled with optimization algorithms. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with unique robotic platforms and to gain experience that could help to launch a career either in academia or in industry.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award. 

The post is available on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received.