Research Fellow (110948-0126)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Scott Habershon, professor at s.habershon@warwick.ac.uk

The Habershon research group at the University of Warwick are seeking to recruit a research fellow in computational and theoretical chemistry. The research fellow will work on a new EPSRC-funded project focussing on the development and implementation of automated computational schemes for direct design of homogeneous metal-free catalysts for CO2 transformations. Combining automated reaction discovery simulations, microkinetic modelling, machine learning, and global optimization, this project will develop a new and exciting route to addressing one of society's grand challenges - turning CO2 from pollutant to commodity. The successful candidate will join the Habershon research group in the Warwick Centre for Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (CaTCh), based in the Department of Chemistry. CaTCh is a vibrant community of 6 academic research groups – around 40 PhDs and research fellows in total – with strong interdisciplinary links to researchers in engineering, physics, mathematics, and life sciences. Our research is supported by excellent on-campus high-performance computing facilities through Warwick’s Scientific Computing Research Technology Platform (SCRTP). This project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and is available for 36 months (subject to satisfactory completion of probation requirements). Further information on the Habershon group is available at: go.warwick.ac.uk/habershongroup

Please direct informal enquiries to Prof. Scott Habershon (S.Habershon@warwick.ac.uk).

About You

You will have a strong background in computational chemistry, preferably with experience of AI/ML strategies for analysis of reactive chemical processes such as homogeneous catalysis. You will be familiar with state-of-the-art ab initio computational methods, as well as reaction analysis strategies such as minimum-energy path calculations. Experience of software development, documentation and dissemination (through routes such as GitHub) is also essential. If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£34,610). Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure (£35,608).

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).

About The Department

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.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th 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

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Tuesday 10th February 2026 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

• A brief CV (TWO pages max.) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure your CV includes your most up-to-date qualifications, and includes the names of two referees who may be contacted at the interview stage.
• A supporting statement (TWO pages max.) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence 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.

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below). All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
• 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 May 2026

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.

What we Offer

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.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

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.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow in Computational Chemistry (110948).pdf – 114KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.