Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Nanomaterials (967)
Two ERC (European Research Council) funded full-time post is available from 1st September 2026 for a duration of 2 years.
The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on experience and skill set.
The Role
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
The Faculty wishes to recruit two Postdoctoral Research Associates to support the work of Dr. Carlos L. Bassani. The successful applicant will join the project kineticSHAPES - Kinetic Pathways to Control Nanocrystal Shapes, funded by the European Research Council by the ERC Starting Grant No 101220354.
This project aims to understand non-equilibrium aspects of nanocrystal growth in well-defined shapes. The research will provide quantitative insights into the role of crystal lattice and solution concentration field on morphological features such as twinning, branching, and chirality. Research techniques primarily involve the use and further development of a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation framework, coded in C++. Other supportive research techniques may involve molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and lattice Boltzmann method. Results will be validated and applied in collaborations with experimentalists.
About You
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, and communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
Applicants will possess a PhD (or nearing completion) in Physics, Chemical or Materials Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a combination of the following skills.
Essential
- Knowledge of mathematical modelling, scientific computing, and/or numerical simulations.
- Experience in programming, preferably in C/C++ and Python, or similar scientific computing languages.
Highly desirable
- Background in chemical physics, statistical mechanics, and/or soft condensed matter.
- Experience with one or more of the following simulation techniques: molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, density functional theory, lattice Boltzmann method, or related methods.
Desirable
- Experience using high-performance computing (HPC) facilities.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary and/or multicultural research environments.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Please contact Dr. Carlos L. Bassani,
[email protected]
Further reading
C.L. Bassani, M. Engel. Kinetically Trapped Nanocrystals with Symmetry-Preserving Shape. JACS 147 (2025), 9487-9495, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c17157
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
- Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.
How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
