Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,636

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Background

A postdoctoral research fellow position is available to join an interdisciplinary team working on a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship: Nanofluidic energy absorption of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). We aim to advance the science and applications of nanoporous materials, such as MOFs, for mechanical energy absorption. These materials can offer tiny hydrophobic pores comparable in size to water molecules. Squeezing liquid water into these tiny nanopores can create large solid-liquid interfaces and dissipate substantial mechanical energy.

If you are interested in engineering nanoporous materials for this application, please apply! You will aim to understand the high-pressure water adsorption and structure transition of nanoporous materials and use such knowledge to guide the development of engineering applications. You will benefit from a new lab facility, an interdisciplinary research team, a world-class collaboration network, and support for your professional and career development.

Role Summary

• Create knowledge by undertaking a range of activities within the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship 
• Synthesise the engineering and chemistry research in the group to accelerate interdisciplinary outputs 
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating projects and funding 
• Contribute to maximising research impact 
• Contribute to effective project management
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, supportive research culture

Person Specification

• A PhD degree (or near to completion) or equivalent qualifications in a relevant research area, e.g., engineering, chemistry, material science, physics
• Interdisciplinary skills set across engineering and chemistry, ideally in experimental mechanics and porous materials (e.g., MOFs, COFs, zeolites), with experience or knowledge in both mechanical characterisation (or high-pressure techniques) and material synthesis (hydrothermal or solvothermal)
• Familiarity with synchrotron experiments or experience in applying for central facilities access and managing beamtime experiments
• Knowledge of in-situ techniques such as X-ray diffraction and imaging, that can be applied to investigate structural transition and material behaviours under static or dynamic mechanical conditions.
• Experience in various material characterisations and interest in developing new methods, including bringing existing techniques to a new field 
• A track record of high-quality research outputs and a demonstrable commitment to research excellence
• Experience of or interest in supervising and mentoring junior researchers and students, including those from different backgrounds
• Collaborative attitude and willingness to work in the broader research team
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a diverse audience
• Ability to contribute to the development of new research projects
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research, including the broader management/administration processes
• Understanding of a positive research culture and EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) 
• Motivation and plan to develop themselves to be a future research leader in their field

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Yueting Sun, email: y.sun.9@bham.ac.uk or telephone: 0121 414 8794 (www.ysunlab.com) 

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

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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

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