Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Composites Simulation

The role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in the Composites University Technology Research Centre (UTC) of the University of Bristol, supported by Rolls-Royce plc.

What will you be doing?

The post holder will contribute to the development and validation of multi-scale finite-element analysis tools to predict the progressive damage evolution in composite materials, subject to a variety of loading regimes (i.e. quasi-static, fatigue and impact) and in presence of environmental effects, for example driven by temperature variation and moisture uptake. This will entail working across the portfolio of research projects carried out by the Bristol UTC, with focus on assessing the performance and structural integrity of components with through-thickness reinforcement. The post-holder is expected to regularly report the research progress to the UTC team and to Rolls-Royce plc, as well as publishing original research papers on high-impact-factor scientific journals.

You should apply if

Candidates are expected to have a deep knowledge of the mechanics of composites and a proven ability, at least at PhD level, of advanced finite element analysis for commercial FEA packages (e.g. Abaqus Standard/Explicit, LS-Dyna), ideally with experience of user subroutines and through-thickness reinforcement. Past involvement with industrially led research projects is also highly desirable.

Additional information

For informal queries please contact:

Prof. Stephen Hallett (stephen.hallett@bristol.ac.uk) or Prof. Giuliano Allegri (giuliano.allegri@bristol.ac.uk)

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open-ended (with fixed funding for 2 years from start date)

Work pattern: Full-time / 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 14/07/2026

The shortlisting will take place on 20/07/2026

The interviews are anticipated to take place on 31/07/2026

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