Application closing date 04/10/2021
Salary £34,304 - £40,927 per annum
Job category/type Research

Job description

The School of Biological Sciences is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow. The successful candidate will be engaged in an exciting interdisciplinary research project investigating the bio-catalytic formation of gas hydrates. This academic project involves close collaboration with biochemists, computational physicists and chemical engineers – led by Professor Chris Allen and Professor Niall English (University College Dublin) and will ultimately lead to inter-disciplinary publication at an international level. 

The position will entail the molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation of gas-hydrate formation and crystallisation, in contact with, and adsorbed atop, biological catalysts, such as protein surfaces. There will be very close synergy for MD simulation with allied laboratory experiments.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record in non-equilibrium MD, in the presence of externally applied fields, e.g., magnetic; code development (Fortran, C, Python) and order-parameter analysis (e.g., Steinhardt, CHILL); MD engines (NAMD, GROMACS, DL-POLY), as well as writing own code and modifying community codes.

The successful candidate must have:

• Honours degree at 2.2. or equivalent in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biophysics or related discipline
• Have or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant area to the job description – for example, containing a major component of MD simulation experience either relating to biological or non-biological systems.
• At least 3 years recent relevant research experience to include a minimum of 2 years:
  • MD simulation research, related to ordering/crystallisation events
  • Code development (Fortran, C, Python) and order-parameter analysis (e.g., Steinhardt, CHILL)
  • Writing own code and/or modifying community codes.
• Display an active interest in the application of MD methods to solving bio-molecular research problems.
• Publication record commensurate with stage of career

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.

Queen’s University Belfast is recognised as one of the most diverse organisations in Northern Ireland. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fair participation and welcomes applications from all. However, our Fair Employment Equality Monitoring data tells us that individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBT+ and Members of the Protestant Community are also currently under-represented in this category of work. As such, we particularly welcome applications for this role from individuals who identify with these backgrounds and / or communities.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including our work in relation to Gender Equality (Athena SWAN), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Workplace Equality Index), Disability and Race (Race Equality Charter) please visit: www.qub.ac.uk/diversity and/or www.qub.ac.uk/qgi

For further information and details on the University’s Staff Networks please visit:  https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Informal enquires may be directed to Dr Chris Law -  c.law@qub.ac.uk 

Candidate Information

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