Research Associate (Autonomous Lab for Materials Discovery)

Job reference: SAE-029822
Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Physics & Astronomy
Hours Per Week: 1 FTE
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 09/10/2025
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2026
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences 

Applications are invited for postdoctoral research position to work on Autonomous Lab for Materials Discovery within the Condensed Matter Physics Group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Manchester. The successful candidate will work at the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, and AI, developing workflows for autonomous discovery.

You may focus on experimental platforms (growth, characterisation, electrochemistry), computational modelling, or AI/automation, depending on your unique background. You will have obtained, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) by the starting date of the project in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields. Proven proficiency in programming and writing quality research papers are essential. We aim the appoint an individual with strong expertise across multiple areas (see “desired knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications” section in Job Description). Candidate should be well-organised and self-motivated with excellent communication skills. The projects are expected to lead to high impact scientific publications and datasets, technological developments and a strong boost in the career of the PDRA.

Along with your application, you should submit a single file containing your CV highlighting/demonstrating research-related expertise and skills, list of publications, and research statement (max 3 pages).

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through contributing to the University’s social responsibility agenda, demonstrating a commitment to its policies, activities and delivery of initiatives including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016 for its commitment to achieving gender equality which positively promotes inclusivity for all.

We support applications from those returning from a career break and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.

For further information, please visit http://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/

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.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

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.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Qian Yang

Email: qian.yang@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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

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

Further particulars including job description and person specification are available on the University of Manchester website - click on the 'Apply' button above to find out more.

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