University College London
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Research Associate: Materials Simulation Scientist (KTP Associate)
Department / Unit: Department of Physics & Astronomy
Faculty / Division: UCL Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Duration: Full-Time. The post is funded for 36 months.
Location: To be predominantly based in Sunbury-on-Thames with set periods of work to be completed at UCL.
Reports to: Prof Angelos Michaelides
Partner Company: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
The post carries a £6,000 dedicated personal development budget, £12,000 for travel and consumables and will predominantly be based at BP offices in Sunbury-on-Thames.
Grade: Grade 7 (£31,604 - £38,833)
If the successful candidate is about to complete their PhD, appointment will be made at Grade 6 point 24-26, on the UCL salary scale £27,285 - £28,936 per annum with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).
Main purpose of the job:
To lead and successfully deliver the Knowledge Transfer Partnership between UCL and BP to found a novel BP ‘Digital Lab’ by transferring and embedding advanced chemistry and physics simulation capabilities to enable new solutions to enduring oil and gas production operational challenges, and to enable access to additional resources for enhanced oil recovery and unconventional production methods.
The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-art chemistry simulation techniques to solve challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the design of innovative fluids to enhance production across the upstream production system, well bore to export, and cover both conventional and unconventional geological formations. They will include the design of strategies to maximise production while minimising environmental impact. Although focused in the ‘Upstream’ division of BP, it is expected that opportunities will arise to apply the strategies developed to other parts of BP, such as the fuels, lubricants and chemicals sectors.
This role, based in BP’s Sunbury-on-Thames International Centre for Business and Technology, offers the successful candidate the unique opportunity to develop and apply simulation methods to real business challenges, while working with both leading academics in University College London and scientists/engineers in BP, gaining a deep understanding of the oil and gas business.
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The successful candidate will have a relevant PhD in involving computer simulation in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Key responsibilities and outcomes:
Work with BP to establish molecular simulation tools capability in BP’s Upstream Technology Centre - Research and Development of work flow infrastructure needed to achieve the project goals - Identify/access/develop key simulation tools Work with BP Scientists/Engineers to identify challenges most suited to molecular simulation, and then work with UCL and wider university London theory and simulation community in the Thomas Young Centre (TYC) to identify the most suitable simulation approach. Demonstrate value of simulation methods identified in solution of BP challenges, includes conducting simulation using state-of-the-art approaches, and validation against lab experiments Embed Simulation work flows and expertise within BP Chemical Sciences Organisation for use by BP Maintain active communication between BP and UCL teams Document and promote molecular simulation workflows within BP, and to the wider oil and gas industry through publications. Through conducting the above establish a ‘Digital Lab’
Main Duties and Responsibilities
With guidance from the principal supervisor and co-supervisors, the Associate is expected to: Design, plan and carry out computer simulations, including installing codes and software on a variety of machines at BP and UCL show the necessary questioning and inquisitive skills as a business research, development and project manager show the necessary written and oral presentation skills as a business research, development and content manager show initiative and independence of thought in developing the business research and development project be responsible for the day to day running of the project draw up a supervisory agreement in consultation with the project investigator to form the basis of the management of the project keep the project supervisors informed of the progress of the project at regular meetings Work with the BP team to understand BP’s challenges and UCL and TYC academics to identify optimal simulations tools to deploy in solution of challenges. Undertake analysis of data, present results of research to sponsors, the media and other interested organisations Transfer knowledge of simulation tools and work flows to BP Chemical Scientists to enable their use of the tools and workflows in solution of BP challenges. disseminate outcomes from the project through internal and external conferences and journal papers at suitable times during the project’s progress network and liaise with other researchers within the project and research programme
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avoid actions which may bring themselves, the supervisor or University or KTP partner into disrepute comply with the BP ICBT Safety Rules and the BP Laboratory Safety rules, as well as BP’s Code of Conduct conform to Fire, Health and Safety regulations of the School, University and KTP partner actively follow UCL and BP Policies including Equal Opportunities and adhere to expected standards be required, in the addition to the duties above, to perform other tasks assigned by the principal investigator/Head of Department and co supervisors from time to time
This job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager or Head of Department/Division.
The post holder will actively follow UCL and BP policies including Equal Opportunities policies and be expected to give consideration within their role as to how they can actively advance equality of opportunity and good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
The post holder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.
About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
KTPs are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities or research organisations by placing recent graduates (KTP Associates) to work on challenging, high profile projects.
Further information is available at: http://ktp.innovateuk.org/
Go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/knowledge-transfer-partnerships-what-they-are-and-how- to-apply#ktp-for-graduates for further information about KTP and the advantages of being a KTP Associate.
KTP Associate Benefits:
£2,000 per year to spend on personal training Attendance at two residential managerial workshops (each of one week’s duration) Opportunity to attend relevant training provided at UCL and BP
About BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
BP is one of the world's leading international oil and gas companies. Through our work we provide customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, lubricants to keep
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engines moving, and the petrochemicals products used to make everyday items as diverse as paints, clothes and packaging. Our objective is to create value for shareholders and supplies of energy for the world in a safe and responsible way. We strive to be a safety leader in our industry, a world-class operator, a responsible corporate citizen and a good employer.
Our Upstream segment is responsible for our activities in oil and natural gas exploration, field development and production, and midstream transportation, storage and processing. At the same time, we’re investing in the talents of the 20,000 people who work to make these activities a reality.
BP is committed to equal employment opportunity.
About UCL
UCL is one of the world's top universities. Based in the heart of London, it is a modern, diverse, outward-looking institution. At its establishment in 1826, UCL was radical and responsive to the needs of society, and this ethos – that excellence should go hand-in-hand with enriching society – continues today. UCL's excellence extends across all academic disciplines; from one of Europe's largest and most productive hubs for biomedical science interacting with several leading London hospitals, to world-renowned centres for architecture (UCL Bartlett) and fine art (UCL Slade School).
The UCL community
UCL is a truly international community. Over 38,000 students study at UCL, of whom over 34% come from 140 countries outside the UK. Of our 12,500 staff, nearly one-third are also international. UCL offers more than 200 undergraduate programmes and more than 400 taught postgraduate programmes. Approximately 54% of the student community is engaged in graduate studies, with about 29% of these graduate students pursuing research degrees.
UCL's staff and former students have included 29 Nobel Prize winners.
Quality of UCL's teaching and learning
UCL is independently ranked as the most productive research university in Europe (SIR). It has the highest number of professors in any university in the UK (983) – and the best academic to student ratio of any UK university (The Times, 2014), enabling small class sizes and outstanding individual support. In Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF2014), UCL was rated the top university in the UK for 'research power'. It was rated top not only in the overall results, but in each of the assessed components: publications and other research outputs; research environment; and research impact. REF2014 confirmed UCL’s multidisciplinary research strength, with many leading performances across subject areas ranging from biomedicine, science and engineering and the built environment to laws, social sciences and arts and humanities.
Location and working environment
The KTP Associate will predominantly be based at BP offices in Sunbury-on-Thames however will be expected to spend set periods of their time at UCL.
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The BP International Centre for Business and Technology Sunbury, or ICBT as it's better known, is a flagship site for BP. It is home to over 55 global business and functional teams, where world class people, develop and use world class technology - to run world class businesses. It also has a strong training role being home to the eastern hemisphere Upstream Learning Centre. More info at: https://www.bp.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/where- we-operate/sunbury.html
UCL is a welcoming, inclusive university situated at the heart of one of the world's greatest cities. The department of chemistry operates from the main Bloomsbury Campus. Find out more at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/
The Physics & Astronomy department
The Physics and Astronomy department at UCL is in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. Scientific research and study has been a strong feature of UCL and the Department is currently on the top-rated Physics departments in the country.
The Department provides excellent teaching to c. 535 undergraduate and c. 280 graduate students. Our teaching benefits from a strong research base, with many course units available later in the degree being directly related to departmental research. There are around 85 teaching staff, mostly based on the main UCL site on Gower Street but also at UCL’s University of London Observatory (ULO) at Mill Hill, and we maintain strong teaching links with other departments in order to broaden the learning opportunities available for all students, and to offer a wider variety of degrees. Our programmes of modernisation and development of all aspects of our teaching are continuing as we adapt to the ever-changing world.
We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world leading research and providing high class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of Physicists and Astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional. Indeed, our history is closely linked with people, specifically the heads of department: for early years, Departments of Natural Philosophy & Astronomy, 1826- 1865, (Lardner, Ritchie, Sylvester, Potter, Brooke, Potter again); Mathematical and Experimental Physics, 1865-67, (Hirst, Mathematical - Carey Foster, Experimental); Physics, 1867-1972, (Carey Foster, Callendar, Trouton, Bragg, Porter, Andrade, Massey) and Physics & Astronomy, 1972-1975, (Massey).
More can be found on the Department’s web pages. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/physics-astronomy
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
This is a specification of the qualifications, experience, skills, knowledge and abilities that are required to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the post (as outlined in the job description) and forms the basis for selecting a candidate.
E=Essential, D=Desirable E D Knowledge, Education, Qualifications and Training
PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials or related discipline X that involved computational studies of materials or interfaces at the atomic and molecular length scales.
Experience of classical molecular dynamics approaches X
Experience with installing, compiling and successfully running a variety of X materials science codes on a wide variety of computing platforms
Computer programming and/or scripting experience and high performance X computing experience on a variety of architectures
Proven ability for creative and original research, demonstrated via scientific X publications
Experience with analysis and writing up data and presenting complex information X effectively to a range of audiences
Broad understanding of the state of the art in materials simulation X
Experience of multi-disciplinary working X
Skills and Abilities
Interpretation and clear articulation of technical and complex information X
Self-starter, uses own initiative to prioritise workload X
Able to interface with people with commercial interests and from varied technical X backgrounds
Effective communication skills to be able to work collaboratively in a small team X
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team X
Proactive and committed to the project. X
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Aptitudes
Have ambition to develop skills systematically X
Good project planning skills X
Able to self-motivate and achieve agreed aims X
Be team player and fit company environment X
TO APPLY
Apply online at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/ Search under Ref no: 1718686 You will need to register to use the system if you have not used it before and are able to do this after you have found the vacancy and clicked on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of the online advert.
UCL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Full conditions can be found at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/Support_Research_tcs.php
Thank you for your interest in this post and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCL
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