Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in a 3-year research project into shape-morphing electromagnetic metamaterials and devices. This EPSRC funded post is available for start dates between 1st April – 1st July 2026. The successful applicant will be working to combine mechanical concepts such as origami, kirigami, and shape-memory/shape-morphing materials, with microwave metamaterial and device designs, to help develop a new class of reconfigurable electromagnetic structures. This will involve using various simulation programmes, both for mechanical and electromagnetic design, fabricating samples, either in-house or through working with collaborators, and performing both mechanical and electromagnetic tests.

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 – microwave/antenna engineering, electromagnetic metamaterials, and/or shape-morphing structures. As it is unlikely that many candidates will have all the skillsets required for this post, applicants with a background in either the electromagnetic or mechanical fields mentioned will be considered, with the expectation that they will learn about the other side of the project on the job. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in either microwave materials or related areas, or shape-morphing/origami/kirigami structures and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline (especially in relevant simulation software and experimental techniques) 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. The work required will be heavily experimental, and so applicants will need to be comfortable with both lab work and simulations.

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 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.

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Further information

For further information a preliminary discussion is welcomed. Please contact Alex Powell, e-mail a.w.powell@exeter.ac.uk

Interviews are expected to take place on w/c 16th March.

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