"Research Fellow in Computational Materials Science"

University of Birmingham - School of Chemistry

Placed On: 16th January 2026

Closes: 8th February 2026

Job Ref: 106607

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2028

Background

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Research Group of Dr Adam Michalchuk, funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The position will be to develop and use computational models to explore the ultrafast processes that underpin the mechanochemical reactivity of energetic materials (EMs; explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics), and collect inelastic neutron scattering spectra to support model validation. The project will be in close collaboration with world-leading EM synthesis experts at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany.

Role Summary

• Work within the Michalchuk group’s research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Work within and support computational materials modelling and inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy activities of the group
• Work with local, national, and international collaborators to successfully deliver high quality research outcomes
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to disseminating research findings via appropriate platforms (such as conferences and academic publications)
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Take a prominent role in delivering the research goals of the group
• Conduct a research program, defined in agreement with the group
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding (including facility access)
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

Person Specification

Subject Specific:

• The candidate should have, or be nearing completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in computational materials chemistry/physics, or related relevant area.
• The candidate must have demonstrable experience working with high-performance computing infrastructure.
• The candidate must have a strong track record in programming, preferably in Python.

General:

• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

Informal enquiries to Adam Michalchuk, email: a.a.l.michalchuk@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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