Research Fellow

About the role

The School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast is seeking a Research Fellow to undertake research to model irradiation of biological molecules in the presence of solvents and metal nanoparticles (MNPs). Such irradiation processes occur over a wide range of time and length scales and so we are developing a range of theoretical and computational approaches that bridge these different regimes in a unified approach. Specifically, the Research Fellow will use embedding schemes developed by the team members in Belfast and Toulouse to study photon irradiation of nucleobases and radiosensitiser molecules in the presence of solvents and MNPs. The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Light-Matter Interactions (CLMI), which has an ongoing world-class research activity in laser-matter interactions and plasma physics.

The position will assume responsibility for the delivery of specific research objectives as part of a continuing Leverhulme Trust project that aims to model irradiation of biological molecules, in conjunction with collaborators in the University of Toulouse, France. Such irradiation processes occur over a wide range of time and length scales and so a range of theoretical and computational approaches are required that bridge these different regimes. The team involved in this work have developed a range of techniques to do this and the goal of this project is to join these methods together into a unified approach.

About the person

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree or equivalent in physics or other cognate area of relevance to the post.
• Hold or about to obtain a PhD in a relevant area (e.g. Physics).
• Significant relevant experience in the in the following areas:
  • The theory and numerical simulation of irradiation of atoms and molecules by laser pulses,
  • First-principles electronic-structure theory using real-time density functional theory.
• Refereed publications in these areas commensurate with career stage.
• Experience of FORTRAN and python programming.
• Previous experience in developing and using parallel computer codes using the Message Passing Interface (MPI).

This is not an exhaustive list. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed-term contract (available until 31^st December 2027). Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

To view more information and to make an application please visit our website.

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