Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
We invite applications for a Research Associate position at the University of Cambridge to join the Cole group in the Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory. The successful candidate will conduct research to deliver on the main forerunner 3 project of the EPSRC AI Hub, AIchemy, under the direction of Professor Cole.
This project forms part of the wider EPSRC AIchemy grant whose founding leadership team manifests collaborative efforts from the Universities of Liverpool, Imperial, Southampton and Cambridge.
The appointee will conduct research on data-driven materials chemistry, using physics-informed AI software developments of novel algorithms and workflows that aid accelerate materials discovery. The appointee will also work with real-world experimental data to help automate materials science.
Successful candidates will be expected to produce research of the highest academic quality, that they will make publication ready, and participate actively in regular project team meetings that constitute an interdisciplinary collaboration in AI for Chemistry.
Salary Ranges: Research Associate: £37,694 -£46,049 (Grade 7). Research Assistant (if PhD has not yet awarded): £34,610 (Grade 5).
Appointment at research associate is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded).
The stat date will be as soon as possible. Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date.
If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Personal Assistant for Jacqueline Cole (Carol Farmer via email: ). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact
Please submit a full curriculum vitae, a short covering letter that explains your interest and relevant experience for the role, and provide the contact details of two academic referees (including their e-mail addresses) via the University's online application system.
Please quote reference KA48834 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Physics
Salary
£34,610-£35,608 £37,694- £46,049
Reference
KA48834
Category
Research
Date published
13 February 2026
Closing date
1 March 2026