Postdoctoral Researcher (Fixed-term)

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Generous holiday entitlement 27 (30) +

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to generate and analyse experimental evidence for dielectric sensing in material characterisation. The role focuses on developing and validating measurement protocols and conducting systematic dielectric testing with close collaboration to Sellafield Ltd.

The successful candidate will work independently on experimental research while engaging with project leads and industrial partners.

Qualifications

• PhD (awarded or submitted) in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental and laboratory research skills; develop/validate measurement protocols.
• Experience in material characterisation, dielectric measurement or related techniques.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation; experience writing journal papers.
• Ability to work independently and with industrial partners.

Responsibilities

• Generate and analyse experimental evidence to assess dielectric sensing for material characterisation.
• Develop and validate measurement protocols for dielectric testing.
• Undertake systematic dielectric testing of representative materials.
• Analyse datasets to identify key trends, capabilities and limitations for future work.

Skills

Experimental methods

Dielectric measurement

Data analysis

Academic writing

Independent work

Education

PhD in engineering or physical sciences

Tools

Dielectric measurement equipment

Laboratory instruments

Job description

Salary

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, pro rata depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Area

Engineering

Location

University Park

Salary

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, pro rata depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date

Monday 16 November 2026

Reference

ENG009126

This Postdoctoral Researcher position will focus on generating and analysing experimental evidence to assess the capability of dielectric sensing for material characterisation as part of a Game Changers proof-of-concept project with Sellafield Ltd. The researcher will develop and validate measurement protocols, undertake systematic dielectric testing of representative materials, and analyse the resulting datasets to identify key trends, measurement capabilities, limitations and requirements for future development. The role offers autonomy in delivering the experimental work and analysis, while working closely with the project leads and engaging with Sellafield Ltd at key stages of the project.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with:

• A PhD (awarded or submitted) in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental and laboratory research skills, including developing and validating measurement protocols.
• Experience in material characterisation, dielectric measurement or related techniques.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with experience of writing journal papers and technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and manage experimental research, while collaborating effectively with project leads and industrial partners.

At the University of Nottingham, we offer a supportive and inclusive working environment alongside a comprehensive range of benefits and opportunities for professional development, including:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week
• Generous holiday entitlement of 27 (30) days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

This is a full time role (36.25 hours per week) for a fixed contract until 31 st March 2026 to start immediately.

Please contact Dr Orla Williams ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.