Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Modelling X-ray Spectroscopies for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

The University of Manchester - School of Natural Sciences

Location:Manchester Salary:£37,694 to £46,049 per annum, subject to experience Hours:Full Time Contract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract Placed On:23rd January 2026 Closes:14th March 2026 Job Ref:SAE-030744 Job reference: SAE-030744

Salary: Grade 6: £37,694-46049 per annum, subject to experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Chemistry

Hours Per Week: Full Time

Closing date: 14/03/2026

Contract Duration: 24 Months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

About the Role

Post-doctoral research associate in Modelling X-ray Spectroscopies for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle working with the Oakley group, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate position to work on the development and application of ab initio computational methods for simulating actinide X-ray spectroscopies. Ideal candidates should have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in Computational Chemistry or a related discipline, with experience in multiconfigurational quantum chemistry, relativistic electronic structure theory, or simulation of electronic spectra. Experience with f-element chemistry, X-ray spectroscopy (theoretical or experimental) and/or method development in quantum chemistry would also be advantageous. You should also be well-organised and self-motivated with excellent oral and communication skills and a strong publication record.

The position is funded by an EPSRC New Investigator Award and is tenable from 1st May 2026. The appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension.

What you will get in return:

• A 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

The School of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community. We positively welcome applications from women, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointments will always be made based on skills and experience aligned with the job description. For further information, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

For enquiries on the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Meagan Oakley

Email: Meagan.oakley@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Please quote reference SAE-030744

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