Assistant Professor of Materials Science

University of Cambridge

Applications are invited for an Assistant Professorship in Simulation of Energy Materials to be held in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. We are searching for a talented scientist with a developing international profile working in the area of the theory and simulation of materials relevant to the energy transition. Areas of interest include (but are not limited to): simulation and modelling (at the atomistic through to continuum level) of materials for energy generation, storage and conversion, and in catalysis. A strong commitment to working closely with experimentalists is a key requirement for this post. The post is available from 1st January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The post underpins the new "Advanced Materials for the Energy Transition" (AMET) taught MPhil programme, which is a joint course between the Departments of Chemistry, Materials Science & Metallurgy, and Physics. For the first five years of their appointment, the successful candidate will primarily focus their teaching and administration on co-directing the AMET MPhil programme, working closely with co-directors in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy and Physics. As a co-director, the successful candidate will be involved in the running of the MPhil with tasks, including (but not limited to): course management; admission of students; creation and delivery of lectures; examining (setting and marking); and running projects. We are expecting between 20-30 students to be admitted to the new MPhil course from October 2025. The successful candidate will also support some teaching and administration at other levels in the Department of Chemistry.

Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant subject area and show evidence of leading a successful research programme. Applicants will also have an aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and will be expected to contribute academic activities in the Department, and more widely in the School of Physical Sciences.

We particularly encourage women and/or candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level within our University. Appointment will be based on merit alone. As a signatory of DORA (https://sfdora.org) the University is committed to assessing research on its own merits rather than on the basis of the journal in which it is published.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that in the Upload section of the online application you provide:

a) A document containing your Curriculum Vitae (CV), research publications list, and a brief narrative (300 words maximum per output) on each of the three outputs you consider most significant. b) A research proposal of no longer than 3 pages, including a description of how your research plans fit with existing activities in the Department. It is not necessary to review the overall plans of existing research in Cambridge except where they are directly relevant to your proposal. c) A two-page statement on your approach to teaching and how you believe you can contribute to the success of the AMET Taught Masters and teaching in the Department. d) A one-page statement focusing on your contributions to and/or vision for improving research culture as well as Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the department, to give research and teaching presentations, for informal discussion and formal interview.

For informal enquiries, prospective candidates are invited to contact the Head of Department, Prof. James Keeler (email: hod@ch.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference MA42761 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

Apply online