Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza

The Chemistry Department at Durham University, renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and student employability, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a major research initiative on Molecular Solid Solutions (MoSS). This project, funded by a £7m EPSRC Programme Grant, is a collaborative effort involving researchers from Durham, Leeds, and Manchester. The research focuses on the formation and properties of solid solutions where small organic molecules act as hosts and dopants, a relatively unexplored area compared to metals and inorganic materials. The successful candidate will work in the groups of Professors Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza and John Evans, contributing to the development, testing, and implementation of advanced modelling methodologies to predict MoSS formation. The project aims to advance understanding of how dopants affect crystal properties such as solubility, polymorphism, size, shape, and dissolution rates, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and the food industry. The role offers opportunities for collaboration, participation in network events, and research placements. The postdoctoral researcher will also supervise a PhD student and benefit from significant career development opportunities. Applicants should hold a PhD in Physical Sciences or a closely related field and have expertise in modelling molecular crystals. The Chemistry Department at Durham provides a vibrant research environment and is ranked among the top in the UK.

The University of Durham is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Solid-State Modelling to join its Department of Chemistry, one of the UK's leading chemistry departments. This position is part of a major £7m EPSRC-funded Programme Grant focused on Molecular Solid Solutions (MoSS), involving collaboration between Durham, Leeds, and Manchester universities. The project aims to advance understanding of how dopants incorporated into molecular crystal structures can significantly alter material properties, with applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and food industries. The successful candidate will work in the research groups of Professors Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza and John Evans, developing, testing, and implementing modelling methodologies and coding tools (Python, C++, bash scripting) to predict MoSS formation. Responsibilities include supporting experimentalists, building a MoSS database, presenting research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to research objectives and proposals. The role also involves student supervision and opportunities for career development. Applicants must hold a good first degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Natural Sciences, and a PhD (or be close to submission) in Solid State Chemistry or a related field. Essential experience includes molecular crystal modelling, scientific programming, academic research, and strong communication skills. Desirable skills include crystallography, use of the Cambridge Structural Database, crystal structure prediction methods, VASP, CASTEP, FHIAIMS, molecular dynamics, and student supervision. The position offers a competitive salary (£38,784 - £46,049 per annum), generous pension, annual leave, and a range of university benefits. The contract is full-time, fixed-term for 36 months, with funding available from October 2025. The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Applications should be submitted online, including a CV and cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation and interview in November 2025. For academic queries, contact Prof Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza at [email protected].

This postdoctoral position at the University of Durham's Department of Chemistry focuses on solid-state characterisation and database development for molecular solid solutions (MoSS). The successful candidate will join a collaborative research project led by Professors Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza and John Evans, as part of a £7m EPSRC Programme Grant involving Durham, Leeds, and Manchester universities. The project aims to advance understanding of MoSS, which are formed when dopants are incorporated into the crystal structure of host molecules, significantly altering crystal properties. While solid solutions in metals and inorganic materials are well-studied, MoSS involving small organic molecules remain less understood, presenting opportunities to modulate material properties such as solubility, polymorphism, and dissolution rates. The role involves developing a MoSS database, synthesising and characterising MoSS using advanced diffraction methods (including X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and solid-state NMR), and implementing coding tools (Python, C++, bash scripting) to automate characterisation processes. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with experimentalists across the consortium, support computational experiments, and contribute to presentations, publications, and research proposals. The position offers opportunities for career development, student supervision, and participation in network events and research placements. Applicants must hold a PhD (or be near completion) in Solid State Chemistry or a related field, with a strong background in diffraction, crystallography, scientific programming, and experience with the Cambridge Structural Database. Additional experience in synthesis, characterisation, and academic research is required, along with skills in teamwork, independent work, and communication. The post is full-time, fixed-term for 3 years, with a competitive salary (£38,784 - £46,049 per annum), pension scheme, generous annual leave, and access to university benefits. The application deadline is 20 October 2025, with interviews expected in November 2025. For academic enquiries, contact Prof Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza via email.