Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Materials Modelling and Simulation

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 2 September 2024 on a fixed term basis until 1 September 2027.

Summary of the role

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Exeter Technology Group (ETG) in the field of mechanics of materials modelling and simulation. This appointment will support with the candidate's expertise in modelling and finite element analysis existing projects part of the recently renewed multimillion partnership between Victrex and the ETG and contribute towards development of new research ideas and publications. It is expected that this involvement will lead to delivery of industry focused applied research as well as fundamental research. 

The ETG includes the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) and the Centre for Alternative Materials and Remanufacturing (CALMARE) with extensive areas of research in materials and manufacturing. 

CALM is a world leading centre in high performance polymeric AM focused on high temperature polymers and composites working with an extensive range of industrial partners on fundamental and applied research.  CALMARE is focused on recycling and sustainability of materials and processes including closed loop recycling of thermosets and thermoplastics, redesign of parts to ease recycling and monitoring of materials in process for zero production waste.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply their engineering and modelling skills in a wide range of novel materials and structures such as modelling of thermomechanical behaviour of thermoplastics composites, stress analysis and modelling of failure in complex AM shapes, topology optimisation of complex designs, simulation and prediction of specific materials or part properties. 

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds; publish in high impact journals and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in an engineering/materials-based area and demonstrate a strong record of modelling knowledge and skills. They will have a strong background in stress and/or thermomechanical analysis with the finite element method, as well as experience with finite element software, either commercial (such as Abaqus) or open source, while coding experience, ideally with Python, is also expected. They will have an active approach to inter-disciplinary research that will help to foster interactions both within the University and externally. 

They will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Oana Ghita ([email protected] )or Dr Konstantinos Agathos ([email protected] ).

Interviews are expected to take place mid-June.