Postdoctoral Research Associate (Design Engineer) Aids to Navigation - 1fte fixed term

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Design Engineering

School of Design
Fixed-term: 3 years
Full-time (Years 1–2) | 0.3 FTE (Year 3)

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Design Engineering to join an internationally focused research project: Developing Low-cost Co-Designed Navigation Aids for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The project builds on the School of Design’s research in Design for Safety at Sea and New Economic Models for the Oceans (NEMO). Aids to Navigation (AtoN) are essential for maritime safety and must comply with International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards. However, existing industrial solutions are often prohibitively expensive for small island and developing nations.

This project will collaboratively design, prototype and test low-cost navigation aids using locally sourced, sustainable and circular materials. Working within an interdisciplinary research team and alongside international partners and coastal communities, the postholder will lead applied design engineering and co-design activities aimed at improving safety at sea, supporting sustainable trade and employment, and contributing to new global applications of IALA standards.

The role includes international travel and fieldwork in diverse environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality applied research contributing to project outcomes and impacts 
• Lead design engineering, prototyping and testing activities 
• Work collaboratively with academic, industry and community partners 
• Support project management, reporting and delivery milestones 
• Produce high-quality research outputs including publications, reports and presentations 
• Communicate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences 
• Contribute to public engagement, workshops and collaborative events 
• Support best practice in research ethics, integrity and data management 

About You

Essential

• PhD in design engineering or related field, or Master’s degree with significant applied design engineering experience 
• Experience contributing to collaborative research or innovation projects 
• Experience managing and reporting on projects, including budgets 
• Understanding of research ethics, integrity and research data management 
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills 
• Collaborative, proactive and problem-solving approach 

Desirable

• Publication record in design research, industrial design or design engineering 
• Knowledge of marine engineering practices or ocean navigation systems 
• Experience of HE–industry collaboration 
• Interest in interdisciplinary design-led research and sustainable or circular material processes 

Contract

Fixed-term for 3 years:

• Years 1–2: Full-time (1.0 FTE) 
• Year 3: 0.3 FTE focused on dissemination, publications and impact activities. 

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to deliver research with tangible global impact, working with international partners and communities to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that improve maritime safety.

Please see Information pack for more information.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on Sunday 24 May 2026

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