Research Associate

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent. If you are committed to excellence in research, this exciting opportunity may be ideal.

The ideal candidate will develop advanced computational methods to predict reaction mechanisms, photophysical properties, and the bioactive potential of 1,4-naphthoquinone-based SuFEx hybrids—targeting global health challenges such as Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). This position is dedicated exclusively to in silico research using state-of-the-art techniques, including DFT, composite methods, extended tight binding, high-level coupled-cluster and multireference methods, and advanced machine learning algorithms.

As a Research Associate you can expect to be involved in:

• Contributing to the design and execution of research projects, ensuring alignment with institutional and departmental goals
• Organising, storing and writing up results and report regularly to the research group, partners and other stakeholders
• Carefully planning the research activity making sure the milestones of the project are achieved within the expected timeframe.

What will you bring to the role?

• A relevant postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) or equivalent in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related field of study
• Demonstrable experience in advanced computational modelling techniques, including DFT and wavefunction-based approaches
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SNS-019-25.

Further details:

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.

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