Research Associate in Mechanical Metamaterials

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh offers an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join its Mechanics and Geometry of Advanced Structures Laboratory. The successful candidate will focus on mechanical metamaterials research, contributing to innovative projects while working within a vibrant international community.

Benefits

Comprehensive Staff Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics required.
• Experience in computational mechanics and finite element analysis is essential.
• Proficiency in programming languages like MATLAB, Python, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Develop research in mechanical metamaterials.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to collaborative projects on metamaterial adhesives.

Skills

Computational mechanics

Finite element analysis

Numerical simulations

Solid mechanics

Fracture mechanics

Programming (MATLAB, Python, C++)

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics

Tools

COMSOL

Abaqus

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497- £48,149 per annum

CSE / School of Engineering

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 24 months

The Opportunity:

Our team, Mechanics and Geometry of Advanced Structures Laboratory (MEGA SLab), aims to understand a broad range of topics in structural mechanics, mechanical metamaterials, and soft condensed matter physics. We are fascinated by fundamental questions on how topological and geometrical manipulations of matter, across many length scales, result in extraordinary mechanical properties. The successful candidate will develop research in the field of mechanical metamaterials in the context of adhesive bonding and mechanics of architected interfaces.

The PDRA holding this position will work closely with members of MEGA Slab and will assist with supervision of MSc and PhD students. The PDRA will contribute to the project “Metamaterial adhesives for improved performance and functionalisation of bondlines” (Meta¬-adhesives), which has many collaborators, nationally and internationally. The post holder is also expected to interact with experts in experimental interface mechanics, mechanical metamaterials, and life-cycle assessment researchers. For informal enquiries please [e-mail].

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in computational mechanics, finite element analysis, and numerical simulations.
• A strong background in solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, with practical experience
• in (or willingness to learn) phase-field modelling, homogenization, and/or Cosserat continuum.
• Familiarity with topological mechanics and metamaterial design is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or C++) and relevant simulation
• software (COMSOL and/or Abaqus).
• Excellent communication skills and a proven record of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Click herefor a copy of the full job description (opens in new window)

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 30th July 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.