RA in Development of Water-Based Lubricants for Electric Vehicles

Full Time, Fixed Term for 30 months, on campus only

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University. 

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We are looking for post-doctoral researcher to join our team, working on novel water-based lubricants for electric vehicle application. The research is part of a larger team, comprising researchers from Loughborough University, The University of Sheffield and Imperial College London and several industrial partners.

The role involves conducting experimental and numerical research on the tribological performance of water-based lubricants including, friction, cooling, wear protection and tribo-dynamics. It also involves surface/material/chemical analysis, as well as material formulation. 

The candidate should be willing to learn new methods when required, and develop novel approaches to deliver the objectives of this project. They should have a strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, communicating and working with a number of researcher and industrial colleagues in the wider team.

The role involves travelling to the other partner universities and industries involved, some times for an extended period of time. It also requires providing support to newer and less senior members of the team as and when it happens.    

Key Requirements:

• You’ll have a PhD (or close to completion) in mechanical or material engineering, physics or chemistry or similar subjects
• Track record of high-impact publications
• Work to tight deadlines
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Mahdi Mohammadpour, via email to m.mohammad-pour@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 227659

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date:  5 March 2026

Interview Date: 15 March 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities

Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

Loughborough University is committed to achieving equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.