Research Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham seeks a researcher with expertise in computational fluid mechanics and finite element methods to work on a Wellcome Trust funded project on maternal-fetal interactions. The role focuses on developing biophysical models of placental blood flow and biomechanics and their impact on feto-placental exchange.

Join a multidisciplinary team across mathematics, computer science, engineering and health sciences, with opportunities for collaboration with Nottingham and

Qualifications

• A PhD or near to completion of a PhD in mathematics or a relevant branch of mathematics.
• Expert knowledge of finite element methods, solid and fluid mechanics and software development.
• Background knowledge in one or more of the following areas: poroelasticity, mathematical biology, mesh generation from experimental data.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications and prepare proposals to external/internal bodies.

Skills

Finite element methods

Solid mechanics

Fluid mechanics

Software development

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

PhD or near to completion in mathematics

Tools

Mesh generation from experimental data

Job description

Salary

£32,080 to £43,482 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date

Sunday 11 October 2026

Reference

SCI130326

Researcher Role

We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in computational fluid mechanics and finite element methods, to work with Matthew Hubbard and Reuben O'Dea on a Wellcome Trust funded project entitled "The Dynamics of Pregnancy: Integrating Imaging, wearables, and modelling to uncover Maternal-Placental-Fetal Interactions". The overall aim of the project is to identify risk markers associated with stillbirth, ultimately enabling real-time, objective in-home monitoring to identify at-risk pregnancies. This aim of this role is to develop a biophysical computational model which is capable of describing placental blood flow and biomechanics, and their impact on feto-placental exchange. This will involve employing tools from computational solid and fluid mechanics, finite element methods and mathematical biology, and will involve close collaboration with colleagues in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Manchester.

You will join a highly multidisciplinary team involving researchers from mathematics, computer science, engineering, medical health sciences and physics. The project is a collaboration between the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester, Makerere (Uganda), Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Nottingham Trent University.

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research and are seeking applications from high quality candidates who enhance the diversity of our existing team. The School is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under‑represented in Mathematical Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.

Duties

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

Qualifications

• A PhD or near to completion of a PhD in mathematics or a relevant branch of mathematics.
• Expert knowledge of finite element methods, solid and fluid mechanics and software development.
• Background knowledge in one or more of the following areas
• Poroelasticity
• Mathematical biology
• Mesh generation from experimental data
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

This full-time (36.25 hours) position is available from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed-term contract for a period of 3 years. Subject to funding and satisfactory progress, there may be the opportunity to extend the appointment. Many of our team have flexible working patterns so we're open to discuss flexible working arrangements with you.

For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences and active research themes see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/index.aspx

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Reuben O'Dea email: [e-mail]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.