Postdoctoral Research Associate in Prefabricated Modular Building Elements

LGBT Jobs; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sector-leading salary and pension

Job summary

City St George’s, University of London invites a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the design, development, testing and validation of wooden prefabricated modular renovation elements. The role requires modelling, performance assessment, fire safety evaluation and prototype development in a multi-institution setting.

The successful candidate will collaborate with academic and industry partners, undertake regular international travel, and work towards translating research into practice

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or closely related field, near completion.
• Experience with timber, modular or offsite construction is advantageous.
• Strong background in structural analysis, numerical modelling and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and validate timber-based prefabricated modular elements for renovation.
• Conduct structural modelling, performance assessment, fire safety and sustainability evaluations.
• Support Horizon Europe project delivery and collaborate with partners; travel as required.
• Prepare technical reports and disseminate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Structural modelling

Numerical modelling

Finite element analysis

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

FEA software

Structural testing equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Prefabricated Modular Building Elements

Job Type: Permanent

Highlighted points for this job

• Postdoctoral researcher role in timber-based prefabricated modular elements
• Focus on development of a wooden structural framework for renovation
• Involves structural modelling, performance assessment, fire safety evaluation, and prototype development
• Requires regular international travel to support project activities
• Expected to hold or be close to completing a PhD in Civil or Structural Engineering

ity St George’s, University of London is the University of business, practice and the professions and brings together the expertise and excellence of City, University of London and St George’s, University of London into one institution. The combined university is now one of the largest higher education destinations for London students, combining a breadth of disciplines across health, business, policy, law, creativity, communications, science and technology. Our students are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to supporting them to pursue their career and personal ambitions. Our research is engaged, at the frontier of practice and has a positive impact on the world around us.

Background: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the design, development, testing, and validation of innovative timber-based prefabricated modular elements (MEs) for the renovation of existing buildings as part of a major Horizon Europe research project. The successful candidate will focus on the development of a wooden structural framework for prefabricated modular elements intended for large-scale building renovation.

Responsibilities: You will undertake research and development of innovative timber systems for prefabricated modular renovation elements, the postholder will support the design, optimisation, testing, and validation of timber structural frameworks and connection systems. Responsibilities include structural modelling, performance assessment, fire safety and sustainability evaluation, prototype development, and compliance with European standards. Working with academic and industrial partners, you will contribute to Horizon Europe project delivery, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative research activities, including regular international travel. The postholder will be expected to undertake regular international travel to participating countries to support project meetings, research activities, site visits, demonstrations, and collaborative engagements with consortium partners and stakeholders.

Person Specification: You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, with expertise in structural analysis, numerical modelling, and design to relevant standards. You will have experience of experimental research, data analysis, technical reporting, and scientific communication, and be able to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Experience in timber, modular or offsite construction, fire engineering, finite element analysis, sustainable construction, or European-funded research projects would be advantageous.

Closing date for applications: 18 October 2026 at 11:59pm

This post is offered on a permanent contract, reflecting the University’s commitment to providing greater stability for research staff. The role is funded through external research funding, which is currently confirmed for 24 months.

Benefits

• City St George’s offers a sector-leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development.

City St George’s, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.

We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic background.

City St George’s operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.

The University of business, practice and the professions