Research Associate in the Digital Validation of Engineered Porous Structures

Full Time, Fixed term for 12 months initially, extendable to 24 months pending funding review

Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible

Join us and be part of a vibrant research community at Loughborough University. 

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We're on the lookout for an individual to support a project that involves the functional modelling of porous structures and foams that have been manufactured using Advanced Manufacturing techniques using metallic, ceramic, polymeric materials or composites. This modelling will inform design decisions for the optimisation of subsequent iterations in the design, manufacture and post-treatment. Functional modelling is the in silico testing (i.e. digital validation) for the assessment of mechanical performance, fluid mechanics properties (e.g., permeability) and chemical reactions, necessary to accelerate the innovation cycle and reduce wastage.

The work will include simulation, validation and verification of products and processes, exploring the concepts of ‘Smart testing’ via in-silico approaches confirmed by ex-silico/experimental results; design of experiments, data harvesting, collation, analysis and interpretation to derive insight and guide engineering design; communicating research results and outputs to a scientific audience as well as the general public.

Key Requirements:

• Experience of deriving experimental designs and protocols in a simulation environment; formal requirements capture
• Experience of performing simulations that include mechanical behaviours (incl. fatigue) and flow (i.e. CFD).
• Experience handling 3D volumetric reconstructions and software for analysis
• Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics or similar simulators/software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent self-management and organisational skills as well a committed approach to work
• Willing to work as part of a team and proven performance in a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports, manuscripts and deliver presentations to a specialist audience.

Why should you apply?

We are looking for an engineer or scientist who has experience in the use of engineering analysis software, specifically mechanical finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics and/or Multiphysics software (esp. COMSOL).

If this role sound of interest, we’d love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be directed via email to Professor Paul P Conway (p.p.conway@lboro.ac.uk) or Professor Carmen Torres (c.torres@lboro.ac.uk)

• For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.
• We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you feel may support you during the recruitment process. If there are any adjustments that you would like to discuss, please contact (wssmt-admin@lboro.ac.uk).

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: October 11^th 2026

Our Benefits 

We’re committed to creating an environment where you can flourish. You’ll enjoy generous time off, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, plus a holiday purchase scheme. Other benefits include flexible and hybrid working options, family-friendly support, world-class sporting facilities, and a wide range of financial, health, and sustainability perks. Discover more about our full range of rewards and benefits.

Loughborough University is committed to achieving equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

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