Research Associate in Analysis of Non-Standard Fibre Angle Composites for Aerospace Structures [...]

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Bath is inviting applications for a postdoctoral research position in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on the design and analysis of composite aerostructures. This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 24 months, offering a competitive salary and a vibrant, inclusive workplace with numerous personal and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous employer contributory pension schemes

Generous annual leave allowance

Wide range of professional development opportunities

Free entry to the Holburne Museum

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in FEA modelling and composite structure design.
• Experience in simulation tool/process development is a distinct advantage.
• Candidates should possess project management and technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and analysis methods for non-standard fibre angle composites.
• Conduct aeroelasticity analysis and buckling/post-buckling analysis.
• Work on damage tolerance and noodle analysis as part of the project.

Skills

FEA modelling

design and manufacture of composite structures

simulation tool/process development

mechanical testing

joining technologies

process optimisation

Education

PhD in Engineering or Engineering-related subject

First degree in Engineering or Engineering-related subject

Job description

About The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering, working with the wider academic team on next-generation design and manufacture of composite aerostructures.

Benefits

This postdoctoral research position will develop design and analysis methods for non-standard fibre angle composites for future light-weight aerospace structures, thus realising more fully the benefits of fibre reinforced composites. Areas of research include:

• Aeroelasticity analysis
• Buckling/post-buckling analysis
• Damage tolerance
• 'Noodle' analysis
  
  

The role will form part of a fully funded, industry-led project, working with industrial companies ranging in size from UK SMEs to Tier 1 aerospace suppliers. The project will develop analysis and manufacturing methods for non-standard fibre angle composites that will be implemented directly in demonstrator aerospace structures.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

This is a full-time (36.5 hours a week), fixed term position for 24 months.

About You

Applicants should possess the following:

• A first degree in an Engineering or Engineering-related subject and a PhD with appropriate content.
• Proven experience of FEA modelling, design and manufacture of composite structures.
• Experience in some of the following areas will be a distinct advantage:
• simulation tool/process development
• mechanical testing
• joining technologies
• process optimisation.
• Candidates should be self-motivated and possess project management and technical communication skills
  

What we can offer you

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
  
  

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

Closing Date: 07 Jul 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413