Researcher in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering

Fixed Term until 30/09/2028

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment. 

About the Role

We are seeking a Researcher with proven experience in computational methods to join our team and contribute to a range of internationally funded research projects. The postholder will play a key role in the European-funded PANTAREI project, while also supporting activities within the NATO Science for Peace-funded ATHENA project, focused on nanocomposites for space applications, and the ESA Topical Team ENABLE.

You will contribute to the development and application of innovative research methodologies, undertake data analysis and investigation, and help advance knowledge within these cutting-edge research areas.

The role also includes supporting the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in project-related research, helping to develop their research skills and contributing to teaching activities where appropriate. A key aspect of the position will be disseminating research outcomes through publications in high-quality journals and presentations at national and international conferences, in line with the projects’ dissemination objectives.

The PANTAREI Project

PANTAREI  provides concrete, attractive, interdisciplinary and tech-oriented solutions for digitalising the entire life cycle of complex multi-scale bio-derived materials, from the design, to meta-structures realization and assessment stage.

About You

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Computational Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with experience of delivering high-quality research in computational modelling and simulation. 

You will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: computational multiscale/multiphysics analysis, finite element methods (e.g. FEniCS), machine learning for materials and structural optimisation, high-performance computing, or advanced programming and user-defined subroutines. Knowledge of Noise Reduction Methods and Thermal Analysis is welcome.

Experience with ICME tools and modern software engineering approaches for computational research is also essential. With strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, you will be able to work independently and collaboratively, contribute to publications and presentations, and support the supervision of student researchers.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Angelo Maligno, Research Chair in Composite Materials via a.maligno@derby.ac.uk 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University. 

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22^nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI: 

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job 
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You must also meet the English Language requirement.

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the “Apply” button above.

https://www.derby.ac.uk/jobs/current-vacancies/researcher-integrated-computational-materials-engineering/

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