Research Fellow in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry Full-time NEW

Research Fellow in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry

The Chemistry Department at University College London is the oldest in England, and today is one of the best in the UK, being ranked 3rd in the UK for its world-leading research in REF2021. We are located in Bloomsbury, at the heart of London, and offer an exciting and vibrant environment in which to study in one of the UK's top universities.

The Chemistry Department has over 60 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. We specialise in the areas of organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, inorganic and materials chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics. The department has an annual research income of around £15 million, derived from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and NERC), European Commission and a wide range of charities and industrial partners in the UK, Europe and the USA.

About the Role

We are looking to appoint a Research Fellow to join a new research team developing quantum theory to predict open-shell and excited states in molecules. You will join the Molecular Quantum Theory Group led by Dr Hugh Burton in the Department of Chemistry at University College London.

You will join our pioneering project to develop new quantum chemistry methods for challenging open-shell electronic states in molecules. You will derive and develop novel correlated many-body theory based on compact approximations for open-shell ground and excited states. You will use these studies to design and implement low-scaling computational methods for predicting ground-state properties and neutral/charged excitations in extended open-shell molecules and compounds. You will have opportunities to assist the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students, and to support the design of future research projects.

This appointment is for 24 months in the first instance and is available to start as soon as possible.

About You

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in Theoretical Chemistry, Physics, or a related subject. A knowledge of quantum mechanics and molecular electronic structure theory is required, as well as experience with quantum chemistry software and scientific programming. Experience with Python and C++ programming is desirable.

You will be expected to work in a collaborative team, contributing towards the supervision of research students, the preparation of journal publications, and the development of future funding proposals. You will have effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and a Cover Letter explaining their motivation for applying to this position and how their prior experience fits the essential and desirable criteria for the job.

What We Offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration Loan Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-Site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Visit UCL rewards and benefits to find out more.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

At UCL Chemistry we are dedicated to the Athena SWAN Charter for women in science, recognising the commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

The department was successfully awarded a Bronze Award in 2016 and Silver Award in 2020, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.