Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 31,387 - 46,485; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Generous holiday entitlement

Access to a reward scheme

Commitment to staff development

Access to fitness and health facilities

Job summary

A leading research institution in Nottingham is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to ongoing research on soil–structure interface behaviour. The role will primarily involve experimental investigation and numerical modelling, with opportunities to publish and support future research proposals. Candidates should hold a PhD or be nearing completion, with strong experience in granular mechanics and related research methods. The position is full-time for six months, offering a dynamic, supportive work environment with a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Have strong experience in granular mechanics.
• Demonstrate experience in experimental and/or numerical research methods.
• Have knowledge of soil-structure or material interface behaviour.
• Show an interest in, or experience with, discrete element modelling (DEM).

Responsibilities

• Engaged in core research activities including experimental investigation, numerical modelling, and data analysis.
• Contribute to publications and support the development of research proposals.
• Collaborate on other activities within the research group.

Skills

Granular mechanics

Experimental research methods

Numerical research methods

Knowledge of soil-structure interface behaviour

Discrete element modelling (DEM)

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline (or close to completion)

Job description

Salary

£31,387 to £46,485 per annum depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Area

Engineering

Location

University Park

Closing Date

Wednesday 15 April 2026

Reference

ENG385726

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate for an initial fixed‑term period of six months to join the Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics within the Faculty of Engineering. This role will contribute to on‑going research focused on examining soil–structure interface behaviour. The work will explore fundamental interface behaviour, with particular relevance to granular mechanics, and will also include aspects of material science.

On a typical day, you will be engaged in core research activities (approximately 60 % of your time), which may include experimental investigation, numerical modelling, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Around 30 % of the role will involve contributing to publications and actively supporting the development of future research proposals and grant applications. There is also scope (about 10 %) to support and collaborate on other activities within the group, allowing you to broaden your experience and develop new skills during your time with us.

The post is based at the Coates Building, University Park, University of Nottingham, and offers an excellent opportunity to work in a stimulating, research‑intensive environment with strong prospects for future project involvement should further funding be secured. This post is a full time (36.25 hours weekly) Fixed‑term post for 6 months.

About The Team

You will join the Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics, working closely with Dr Charles Heron and Dr Angus Pettey. While the immediate group is small, you will have access to the extensive expertise, facilities, and interdisciplinary knowledge base across the wider Faculty of Engineering. We value diversity in its broadest sense and are keen to attract candidates from a range of disciplinary backgrounds whose skills and perspectives complement our strengths in experimental methods, micro‑mechanical behaviour, soil mechanics, and interface behaviour.

About You

• Hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline
• Have strong experience in granular mechanics (soil mechanics background welcomed)
• Demonstrate experience in experimental and/or numerical research methods
• Have knowledge of soil–structure or material interface behaviour
• Show an interest in, or experience with, discrete element modelling (DEM)

What we offer

We offer a friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment, with opportunities to develop your research profile and broaden your expertise. Benefits include:

• A hybrid working arrangement with a blended approach to home and office working
• Generous holiday entitlement of 27 days (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days, including closure between Christmas and New Year
• Access to our reward scheme recognising excellent work
• Commitment to staff development through training, support, and career progression opportunities
• Access to a wide range of benefits, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, and travel schemes

What next

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy, please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details, following the criteria‑based application guidance provided. For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Charles Heron ([e-mail]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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