Research Assistant/Associate in Crystal Structure Prediction

4 weeks ago


Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

The Role

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant/Associate in the computational structure prediction of solid-state battery materials in the Ion Transport and Interfaces Group of Dr. James A. Dawson at Newcastle University. The position is initially for 2 years with the possibility of extension to 4 years.

The position is focused on both cathode and solid electrolyte materials for solid-state batteries. Specifically, the successful candidate will use atomistic modelling methods to predict and validate the crystalline, amorphous and glass-ceramic structures of state-of-the-art and new solid-state battery materials. The project will focus on developing and applying atomistic modelling to characterise the structure of lattice energy surfaces to understand finite temperature effects on the landscape of possible crystal structures and kinetic influences on which structures are formed experimentally. The successful candidate will also be expected to perform molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations on the predicted materials and their interfaces to determine their properties, including, for example, ionic conductivity and interfacial stability.

You will be involved in a large UKRI Frontier Research Grant (“AMPed”) that will be carried out in collaboration with world-leading experimental partners in the UK, Europe and North America. Our ambition is to develop and apply state-of-the-art computational and experimental techniques to provide a fundamental understanding of structure, ion transport and interfaces in solid electrolytes for clean energy applications. Such an understanding will allow for the design of enhanced solid-state batteries and other energy devices. 

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. James A. Dawson

For further information about our research please see the

Applications should be made through the Newcastle University jobs portal: , where you are invited to provide evidence of how you meet the essential criteria required for the role outlined in ‘The Person’ by uploading a letter of application along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV). 

Key Accountabilities

To plan and perform atomistic simulations to predict the structures of crystalline and amorphous/glassy materials for batteries Contribute to the development of new and existing codes for the prediction of solid-state materials To run computational experiments, as part of collaborations with experimental collaborators, and ensuring that these experiments are appropriately supervised and supported Record, analyse and write up the results of simulations To disseminate research results through appropriate media. This will include authoring or co-authoring papers for publication in high-quality academic journals To contribute to the training of new research staff, students and outside groups, including industrial scientists, in the use of the computational tools Contribute to learning and development through the provision of documentation, training and advice Undertake relevant training and development activities in order to develop an awareness of own professional development needs To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience  Experience in the prediction of solid-state and/or energy materials Experience in developing and/or adapting code for structure prediction Experience in molecular dynamics and electronic structure simulations Experience in Python programming Excellent written and oral communication skills High level of problem-solving capacity

Attributes and Behaviour

Comfortable working both individually and have good team working skills Capacity for original thought Enthusiasm and a strong work ethic Ability to interact with researchers with different backgrounds Ability to communicate scientific results to a broad or non-specialist audience Ability and willingness to work in interdisciplinary environments Well-developed interpersonal communication skills that enable you to engage external and internal stakeholders and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science subject, such as chemistry, physics or materials science A Ph.D. in the field of computational chemistry or materials science or a related discipline is essential for appointment at associate level

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26945


We ensure there's something for everyone and these benefits include: a cycle-to-work schemeshopping discountscompetitive pension schemehealth and wellbeing initiativesactivities and eventsgenerous leavediscounted travelChristmas shutdown



  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Company description:We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.Job description:Salary:Research Assistant...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Company description:We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.Job description:Salary:Research Assistant...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Company description:We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.Job description:Salary:Research Assistant...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum **Research Associate**: £33,966 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**: 26...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**:...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Research Assistant**: £30,619 to £32,411 per annum **Research Associate**: £33,348 to £43,155 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**:...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**:...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**:...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Research Assistant: £30,619 to £32,411 per annumResearch Associate: £33,348 to £43,155 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 30 May 2023The...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: **Research Assistant**: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum **Research Associate**: £33,966 to £36,024 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: Research Assistant - £31,396 - £32,982 per annum Research Associate £33,966- £36,024 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**:...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    The Role The structural biology laboratory of Prof. Wyatt Yue based within the Biosciences Institute is seeking a research assistant/associate to drive a multi-disciplinary project combining medicinal chemistry, biophysics and cell-based assays in the hit-to-lead development of small molecule inhibitors targeting a rare metabolic disease. You will...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success. What’s in it for you? Newcastle University is a great place to...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    The Role Following recent success in securing an EPSRC New Investigator Award, we are seeking a Research Associate/Assistant to join the Creative Design Engineering Lab (Cdel) within the . We are looking for an exceptional individual who has a strong background in structural mechanics and mechanical design, particularly the design, finite element...

  • Research Assistant

    3 weeks ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: **Research Assistant**: £31,396 to £32,982, pro rata **Research Associate**: £33,966 to £39,347, pro rata Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: **Research Assistant**: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum **Research Associate**: £33,966 to £37,099 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support...

  • Research Associate

    2 months ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    **Salary**: £33,348 to £43,155 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. **Closing Date**: 30 July 2023 The Role A research associate post is available to...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

     Salary:Research Assistant  £31,396 to £32,982 per annumResearch Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 02...

  • Research Associate

    4 weeks ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.The RoleFollowing recent success in securing an EU HORIZON funded...

  • Research Associate

    2 months ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.The RoleFollowing recent success in securing an EU HORIZON funded...