Research Fellow in Computational Quantum Materials Research - School of Chemistry - 99146

Position Details 

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927. With potential progression once in post to £43,434 a year.  As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is £37,467. 

Grade 7

Full Time/ Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years 

Closing date:  17 March 2022
 

Background
As Research Fellow, you will create new knowledge and understanding of the role of correlated disorder in determining the properties of quantum materials by undertaking computational materials research. As part of a wider project team, you will work to deliver the aims of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant in this field within the group of Dr Lucy Clark in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, and alongside project collaborators from the School of Metallurgy and Materials at Birmingham and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

Summary of Role
This role involves:
•    Working within the project team for the Leverhulme Research Project on Unravelling Correlated Disorder in Quantum Materials.
•    Leading computational materials research to develop the theoretical basis to understand average and local structure-property relationships in a range of quantum materials, including designing and interpreting single-crystal inelastic and diffuse scattering studies of crystalline materials (e.g., transitional metal oxides, coordination frameworks, mineral materials) with correlated disorders.
•    Working across the discipline boundaries of materials chemistry and physics, experiment and theory with the support of the wider project team.

Main Duties/Responsibilities
You will develop the research objectives of the Leverhulme Research Project by:
•    Applying your knowledge and expertise to develop new intellectual understanding of correlated disorder in quantum materials.
•    Designing and implementing computational methods for materials structure and property prediction.
•    Contributing to the design and proposal of central facilities experiments.
•    Collecting, analysing and interpreting neutron and X-ray scattering data to understand local structure-property relationships in quantum materials.
•    Facilitating the exchange of ideas and project development through regularly reporting results to the project team.
•    Disseminating research outputs by preparing high-quality publications and delivering research seminars and conference presentations.
•    Supervising students on research-related work and providing guidance to PhD students working alongside the project team.
•    Undertaking administration arising from the research project and dealing with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
•    Contributing to School research-related activities and research-related administration in the group of Dr Lucy Clark.
•    Promoting and valuing equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
•    A degree in Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science and a PhD in Computational Materials Physics or Chemistry, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics or a related discipline. 
•    Proven high-level ability in the use of plane wave density-functional theory (DFT) for, for example, crystal structure prediction, lattice dynamics and/or electronic structure calculations of solids.
•    Proven high-level ability in the use and development of microscopic models of condensed matter theory to understand the behaviour of electrons in solids.
•    A proven ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
•    A demonstrable ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research—both independently and as part of a team—and a clear willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
•    A knowledge of the protected characteristics of the UK Equality Act 2010 and how to actively promote an inclusive working culture.

Desirable Criteria
•    A track record of high-quality research outputs and a demonstrable commitment to research excellence.
•    Experience in modelling interactions and strong correlations in solids.
•    Experience beyond standard Kohn-Sham DFT methods, for example, using hybrid functionals (e.g. HSE), meta-GGAs (e.g RSCAN), Hubbard U and dynamical mean-field theory.
•    Experience in modifying and developing electronic structure computer programs.
•    Experience of working in an interdisciplinary team, for example, providing a theoretical basis to understand and interpret experimental data.
•    High-level coding experience (e.g. Python, C, Fortran).

Beneficial Criteria
•    Experience in the study of correlated disorder in crystalline materials.
•    Experience in Monte-Carlo methods.
•    Previous postdoctoral experience.

For further information please contact Dr Lucy Clark, [email protected] or telephone 0121 414 7813.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.