Position Details
School of Chemistry
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time
Fixed Term contract up to 12 months
Closing date: 17 th September 2026
Background
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Schnepp Research Group on an industry funded project. The project will involve the synthesis and characterization of carbon/iron carbide materials for applications in electromagnetic attenuation.
This position is available on a fixed-term basis for 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of further funding.
About the School of Chemistry
The School of Chemistry seeks to attract outstanding, inspirational and talented people, supporting them to succeed and celebrating their success. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in higher education. The University of Birmingham is a member institution of the Race Equality Charter, a Disability Confident Employer and contributes to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. We support flexible working and studying.
Our research is driven by four core themes — Energy, Sustainability, Environment, and Health —complemented by interdisciplinary Interest Groups, serving as catalysts for emerging ideas.
This dynamic structure makes our School an exciting place to work and collaborate.
Major University investment in our subject enabled the 2024 opening of our state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building . We recently completed the strategic expansion of our academic staff, and we continue to invest in teaching and learning excellence .
As part of our collegiate community , you will demonstrate academic citizenship by cultivating generous, respectful, and supportive working relationships. You will positively influence how others succeed, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines our culture.
Role Summary
- Work within an industry-funded research project on investigation of carbon/iron carbide materials for electromagnetic attenuation
- Synthesize and characterize a range of iron carbide/carbon materials using sol-gel or templating methods.
- Prepare regular reports for industrial funder.
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Synthesize a range of iron carbide/carbon materials using sol-gel and templating methods.
- Characterize carbon/iron carbide materials using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations.
- Liaise regularly with industrial funders to optimise properties of produced materials.
- Contribute to general running of the research lab, including working with other group members and other research groups to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Person Specification
- A PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline (or thesis submitted prior to appointment).
- Demonstrable expertise in materials chemistry, including the design, synthesis and characterisation of solid-state materials, ideally carbons or carbides.
- Demonstrable expertise in synthetic materials chemistry techniques, such as use of high temperature furnaces.
- Demonstrable expertise in the analysis of materials using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and porosimetry.
- A strong academic publication record appropriate to career stage, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.
- Ability to design, plan and deliver high-quality research with a high degree of autonomy.
- Strong problem-solving skills, scientific creativity and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present research to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Ability to work effectively both on their own and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
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Informal enquiries to Zoe Schnepp, email: [email protected]
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
