PDRA for EPSRC-NSF lead agency opportunity

Manchester University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join its Department of Chemical Engineering. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research on metal–organic frameworks for energy innovation. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant discipline and expertise in molecular simulations. The role offers excellent benefits including a health scheme and generous leave provisions.

Benefits

Market leading Pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Additional paid closure over Christmas

Local and national discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrate a strong record of publication.
• Show independent and creative scientific thinking.

Responsibilities

• Join a leading computational research group.
• Contribute to research on next-generation metal–organic frameworks.
• Work on interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials design and computation.

Skills

Expertise in molecular simulations

Theoretical modelling of adsorption phenomena

Strong record of research excellence

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline

Job description

PDRA for EPSRC-NSF lead agency opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, working with Professor Lev Sarkisov on an exciting EPSRC–NSF funded collaboration.

This position is part of a vibrant international and interdisciplinary partnership involving Professors Martin Schröder and Sihai Yang (University of Manchester), Professor Alexander Neimark (Rutgers University), Dr Mathias Steiner (IBM Research), and Dr Yongqiang Cheng (Oak Ridge National Laboratory). Together, the team integrates molecular and ab initio simulations, machine learning, and experimental synthesis and characterisation to design next‑generation metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with enhanced proton conductivity and photocatalytic performance for water splitting.

The successful candidate will join a leading computational research group with a strong track record in modelling MOFs for carbon capture, clean energy, and sustainable technologies. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge, interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials design, computation, and energy innovation.

We welcome applicants who hold, or are close to completing, a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with expertise in molecular simulations and theoretical modelling of adsorption phenomena in MOFs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong record of research excellence, publication, and independent, creative scientific thinking.

The post is offered on a fixed‑term contract of 1.5 years, with a probationary period of nine months.

What you will get in return

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science; the School's website documenting activity in this area can be found at: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/.

We positively welcome applications from women, who are currently under‑represented at this grade. Appointment will be made on merit.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application. Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail]. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Lev Sarkisov
Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:
Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.