RA in Development of Water-Based Lubricants for Electric Vehicles

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Loughborough seeks a post-doctoral researcher for developing novel water-based lubricants for electric vehicles. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and a track record of high-impact publications. This full-time, fixed-term role offers generous benefits including competitive pension schemes and family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance up to 44 days

Competitive pension schemes

Childcare support initiatives

BUPA Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

On-campus parking with charging points

Range of sports facilities

Qualifications

• Track record of high-impact publications.
• Willingness to learn new methods and develop novel approaches.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and numerical research on tribological performance of lubricants.
• Provide support to newer and less senior team members.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work to tight deadlines

Education

PhD in mechanical or materials engineering, physics, chemistry, or related subjects

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research, and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognize the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangements. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility, please visit the UKVI website.

Job details

Job title: RA in Development of Water-Based Lubricants for Electric Vehicles
Job reference: REQ250667
Date posted: 01/08/2025
Application closing date: 11/08/2025
Location: Loughborough
Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,116

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full Time, Fixed Term for 18 months.

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

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

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join our team, working on novel water-based lubricants for electric vehicle application. The research is part of a larger team, comprising researchers from Loughborough University, The University of Sheffield, and Imperial College London, as well as several industrial partners.

The role involves conducting experimental and numerical research on the tribological performance of water-based lubricants, including friction, cooling, wear protection, and tribo-dynamics. It also involves surface/material/chemical analysis and material formulation.

The candidate should be willing to learn new methods when required and develop novel approaches to deliver the objectives of this project. They should have strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, communicating and working with researchers and industrial colleagues in the wider team.

The role involves travelling to partner universities and industries involved, sometimes for extended periods. It also requires providing support to newer and less senior team members as needed.

Key Requirements:

• You’ll have a PhD in mechanical or materials engineering, physics, chemistry, or similar subjects
• Track record of high-impact publications
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Mahdi Mohammadpour, via email to [e-mail] or by telephone to 01509 227659.

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

Closing Date: 11/08/2025

Interview Date: 13/08/2025

Our Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance up to 44 days (inclusive of Bank Holidays & university closure days)
• Competitive pension schemes
• A range of childcare support initiatives and benefits, including childcare vouchers, on-site university nursery (with salary sacrifice scheme), and holiday playschemes.
• We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies.
• BUPA Cash Plan (100% scheme)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan scheme
• On-campus parking with charging points for electric vehicles
• Range of sports facilities and preferential membership packages

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