Research Associate in Geotechnical Centrifuge Testing

RFCSR; Dundee; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dundee invites applications for the Research Associate in Geotechnical Centrifuge Testing to advance an externally funded project in advanced geotechnical engineering. You will design, execute and interpret centrifuge experiments, contribute to methodological development, and collaborate across disciplines while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

The role offers opportunities to publish results, present at conferences, and work within a supportive academic environment,

Qualifications

• PhD (completed or close to completion) in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience in planning, conducting, and interpreting laboratory or centrifuge experiments.
• Strong publication record or clear potential to publish high-quality research.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyse centrifuge model experiments.
• Develop innovative experimental methodologies for geotechnical testing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and project partners.
• Maintain high laboratory standards and ensure health and safety compliance.
• Supervise students where appropriate and present outcomes at conferences and meetings.

Skills

Centrifuge testing

Physical modelling

Laboratory testing

Experimental design

Data acquisition

Numerical modelling

Scientific writing

Conference presentations

Collaboration

Health & safety procedures

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline

Job description

Research Associate in Geotechnical Centrifuge Testing

The University of Dundee is inviting applications for the position of Research Associate in Geotechnical Centrifuge Testing to support an externally funded research programme focused on advanced geotechnical engineering and physical modelling. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research involving geotechnical centrifuge testing, laboratory experimentation, data analysis, numerical interpretation, and dissemination of research findings through technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Working within a collaborative academic research environment, the postholder will design, conduct, and analyse complex centrifuge model experiments, contribute to the development of innovative experimental methodologies, and work closely with multidisciplinary research teams and project partners. The role also involves maintaining high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, assisting in supervision of students where appropriate, presenting research outcomes at conferences and meetings, and supporting the wider research objectives of the School.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher seeking to contribute to internationally recognised research in geotechnical engineering while gaining experience in advanced physical modelling, experimental design, and collaborative research.

[Eligibility Criteria]

• PhD (completed or close to completion) in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in geotechnical engineering or physical modelling.
• Experience in planning, conducting, and interpreting laboratory or centrifuge experiments.
• Strong publication record or clear potential to publish high-quality research.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organise research activities and meet project deadlines.

[Required expertise/skills]

• Geotechnical centrifuge testing and physical modelling.
• Advanced laboratory testing of soils and geotechnical materials.
• Experimental design, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Numerical modelling and geotechnical data analysis.
• Scientific writing and preparation of journal publications.
• Presentation of research findings at conferences and technical meetings.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective collaboration within multidisciplinary research environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures.

[Salary details – if available]
Salary will be offered in accordance with the University of Dundee’s Research Associate salary scale and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.