Research Associate in Modelling of Protein-metal Oxide Interactions


Company:	University of Sheffield
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Sheffield, S10 2TN
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	28 Jul 2026
Closing date:	14 Aug 2026

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Summary

University of Sheffield

We are seeking an ambitious and talented Research Associate with expertise in materials modelling. You will join an exciting team using protein mediated methods to explore the synthesis of functional inorganic materials. You will be developing modelling methods to explain and predict how molecular additives can be used to control the formation of particular phases and produce the desired properties. This will be in conjunction with a cutting-edge experimental team in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, and is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

The project will involve the use of atomic scale simulations to study the interactions of protein based molecular systems with different ions, clusters and particle interfaces in solutions. These simulations will focus on identifying the key features involved in the interactions. This information will be used to explain and verify experimental characterisation and synthesis results from the experimental team. Moving forward with these results we will then be looking to refine the design of the protein systems in collaboration with external partners in protein sequence engineering. Simulations will also be used to examine how molecular systems can be used to control the morphology of crystal units and potentially generate defects or incorporate into the crystal systems to alter the functional properties of the materials. Finally, a set of design principles and predictive models will be built based on the data produced to guide the development of molecular additives and control parameters for the production of other functional materials.

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