Research Fellow x2 (110991-1025)

For informal enquiries, please contact Zsuzsanna Koczor-Benda (Assistant Professor) at zsuzsanna.koczor-benda@warwick.ac.uk.

We are looking for two highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researchers to join the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) research project of Dr. Zsuzsanna Koczor-Benda on “Quantum embedding for functional nanodevice design” in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick.

In this role, you will develop machine learning-accelerated quantum chemistry methods and artificial intelligence-driven design pipelines to discover and optimise molecules for ultrasensitive imaging and nano-optoelectronics applications.

The project is supported by a range of national and international partners and provides ample opportunities for professional development and networking, including regular research visits to collaborators and travel to international scientific events funded by the FLF.

You will have opportunities to explore research projects and establish new collaborations in directions of theoretical method/software development, theoretical-experimental studies, and developing real-world applications. The FLF funds significant high-performance computing resources for the project at the Scientific Computing Research Technology Platform at Warwick.

About the Research Group

• We develop new computational techniques accelerated by machine learning to simulate quantum chemical properties of molecules at interfaces and harness AI tools to design functional molecules for ultrasensitive and miniaturized sensing and optoelectronics applications.
• The group has a wide collaborative network covering electronic structure method development, research software engineering, machine learning, nanoelectronics and nanophotonics.
• We are one of seven computational chemistry groups at Warwick, and part of an interdisciplinary research community spanning the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering. You can find out more about the research group at https://koczorbenda.wordpress.com/.

You are enthusiastic about working at the boundary of machine learning and quantum chemistry, exploiting the latest trends in scientific machine learning to design molecules with desirable characteristics.

You might have a background in computational chemistry/physics, materials science, or similar and you are driven by an interest in fundamental quantum mechanical properties of molecules and harnessing them for next-generation molecular devices.

You enjoy working in a collaborative research team, where you can contribute your expertise and skills to deliver new software capabilities and groundbreaking applications to fulfil an ambitious research vision. 

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

The Department of Chemistry at Warwick is a thriving community of students, academics, researchers, and support staff.

Our fundamental research pushes boundaries in all major fields of Chemistry. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues from antimicrobial resistance, to solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials.

We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. Both the Department of Chemistry and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN silver awards, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities.

The selection committee will take into account the potential impact of career breaks (e.g. parental leave, atypical career path) on your research output and experience.

Visa costs and the immigration health surcharge can be covered by the grant. We also offer an excellent relocation package to facilitate your move to Warwick. For eligibility and details, please see our website.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 27th November 2025 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements.
• Your most up-to-date qualifications and a summary of your education to date.

Your cover letter should explain:

• How you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence and examples of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to demonstrating how you meet the Person Specification detailing the essential criteria and any desirable criteria that you may fulfil.

Please ensure that your supporting statement shows clearly how your skills and experience meet each of these criteria. It is recommended to use the criteria as headers under which examples and evidence are given.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st December 2025 for one position, 1st April 2026 for the other.

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.