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

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 (DD/MM/YYYY): 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/

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk. 

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

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

Technical support:

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

- Please quote reference SAE-030744

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

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