Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Experimental Structural Integrity

Central Oxford

We are seeking a full time Research Associate in Experimental Structural Integrity to join the Solid Mechanics and Materials research group at the Department of Engineering Science. The post is funded by Rolls Royce plc. and is fixed-term for 2 years. 

This role will support the development and performance of laboratory experiments designed to replicate conditions in real-world contact problems and test the propensity for nucleating cracks in laboratory experiments. You will be responsible for the design and performance of fretting fatigue, plain fatigue and wear tests using bespoke servo-hydraulic rigs to study, among other things, the effects of surface residual stress modification techniques on the life of fretting fatigue contacts. 

You should possess a Ph.D/D.Phil in a relevant discipline and demonstrable knowledge and research experience in experimental mechanics, preferably including the behaviour of materials during wear and/or fretting fatigue in advanced engineering applications. You should also have experience in experimental design, and experience of contributing to research publications/presentations. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Luke Blades luke.blades@eng.ox.ac.uk 

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ 

Only online applications received before midday on 10 July 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.  

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