Research Assistant (Fixed Term) - Materials Theory Group

About the role

The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a Research Assistant in the Materials Theory Group, Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. This is an ERC-funded position with Prof. Stefano Racioppi on his QUANTEX project, which studies how extreme pressure changes the electronic structure, chemical bonding and properties of elements and compounds. The appointee will join a community of computational materials scientists within the Materials Theory Group and the wider Lennard-Jones Centre.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate how extreme pressure affects electronic structure, chemical bonding and material properties.
• Carry out first-principles calculations, mainly based on density functional theory (DFT).
• Work on crystal structure prediction and machine-learning methods, chemical bonding analysis (including QTAIM), energy decomposition analysis and electronegativity analysis.
• Potential research directions include pressure-induced changes in electronic structure, chemical periodicity, the formation of electride and superconducting states, and machine-learning accelerated materials discovery.

Required profile

• A good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant science subject (Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics), meeting the University's academic and English-language entry requirements for a doctoral programme.
• Enrolled in a doctoral programme at Cambridge during the project.
• Strong interest in theoretical and solid-state chemistry.
• Good analytical and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required skills

• Previous experience in programming, machine learning, electronic-structure calculations or atomistic modelling is advantageous but not essential.
• Applicants receive training in computational methods for solid-state chemistry and physics and have access to high-performance computing facilities.

Applicants must apply online through the University's recruitment system, quoting reference LJ51458, and submit a separate PhD application through the University Application Portal naming Prof. Racioppi as supervisor and QUANTEX as the project. The application includes a research statement, a CV with publications and two referee contacts. Interviews are online on 1 March 2027, with an expected start date of 1 October 2027. The salary is £33,002-£35,608 and the funds are available for 42 months.