Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

At PDRA level, the starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

At PDRF level, the starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

This new full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from February 2026 until May 2027 on a fixed-term basis, within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

The post

The Environment, Science, and Economy Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to participate in the EPSRC funded project “PRICE-SCM (powder amorphisation using shock waves for supplementary cementitious materials production)”, ran in collaboration between the University of Exeter and the UK Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Didcot).

The funded post is available from February 2026 for a duration of 16 months. The successful applicant will support the research activities carried out by Dr Vinai and the project team, involving molecular dynamics simulation, support to laser processing of powders, physical characterisation of processed powders, and assessment of their properties in cementitious systems.  

The post will include a significant time spent at the Central Laser Facility premises in Didcot, as well as some time spent at the University of Exeter for the physical and mechanical characterisation of the cementitious systems and the assessment of their environmental profiles. 

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 and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a recognised expert in shockwave application, and 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. Applicants will be able to carry out numerical modelling for molecular dynamics simulation, will have experience in laser processing or other shockwave processing techniques, and will have a sound understanding of solid-state chemistry and physics.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role, by clicking on the 'apply' button.

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 multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Raffaele Vinai, e-mail r.vinai@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 72 3627.

The closing date for completed applications is 14^th December 2025 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place early January 2026 (tentatively).

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