Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Machine Learning

The role

Are you interested in developing machine learning for scientific research? We invite you to apply to undertake postdoctoral research in the group of Professor Craig Butts, developing machine learning methods applied to the elucidation of chemical structure, including 3-dimensionality (stereochemistry, conformation) and dynamics, based on spectroscopic data. We are one of the leading groups in the UK and internationally in developing tools for structure determination based on spectroscopy – particularly NMR. We are involved in several research collaborations, including projects with industry (AstraZeneca, Evotec and Genentech) and EPSRC-funded programmes of research, working  with synthetic chemists to test our machine learning systems against challenging real world examples. The role holder will also be responsible for helping Professor Butts mentor his research group, coordinate group day-to-day activities and provide support for post-graduate researchers who are mentoring undergraduate students.

What will you be doing?

• Developing new machine learning approaches to identifying molecular structure from spectroscopic data, including generative approaches to structure elucidation.
• Maintaining and developing the Butts group’s core IMPRESSION software for prediction of spectroscopic properties, and build in structure elucidation functionality into this suite
• Working with chemists to apply the machine learning tools to elucidation of molecule structures, in particular synthetic or naturally-sourced polyketide natural products of unknown conformation and constitution.
• Designing and helping prepare manuscripts in Professor Butts’ machine learning sub-group.
• Supporting the development of grant funding applications around machine learning for structure elucidation.

You should apply if

• You hold a PhD (or are in final stages of preparing to submit for a PhD) in a relevant topic to machine learning and/or physical sciences
• Have experience in developing machine learning tools for scientific research
• Have an understanding of chemistry/molecular structure
• Have experience in coding, managing software and data curation
• Have excellent communication skills to enable collaboration across physical sciences and machine learning

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact: Craig Butts - Craig.butts@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/07/2028

Work pattern: Monday - Friday

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 28/09/2025

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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