Senior Research Associate in Multiphysics Modelling of Brain Health

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university in Oxford is seeking a Senior Research Associate to work on multiphysics modelling of brain health. This full-time role involves researching the impact of age and trauma on brain function, creating predictive models, and leading research projects. Ideal candidates will have a relevant PhD and experience in finite element modelling and programming. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Relevant PhD/DPhil with post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience in finite element modelling.
• Fluency in programming languages like Python and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Dedicate time to research on physiological aspects of brain ageing.
• Create models of cortical tissue degeneration.
• Utilise medical image data for brain injury mechanisms.
• Study impact of head impacts on neurodegenerative diseases.
• Lead research projects and provide guidance to students.

Skills

Finite element modelling

Data-driven multiphysics approaches

Fluency in Python

Fluency in Fortran

Fluency in MATLAB

Fluency in C/C++

Medical image analysis algorithms

Education

PhD/DPhil in mechanical or biomedical engineering or related field

Job description

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Senior Research Associate in Multiphysics Modelling of Brain Health, to work within the recently established Podium Institute for Sports Medicine at the University of Oxford. The Podium Institute sits within the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) in the University's Department of Engineering Science and is supported by a £25m 10‑year donation to the University. This full‑time post is initially fixed‑term for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension to 30 September 2027, subject to funding. The postholder will work under the supervision of Professor Johannes Weickenmeier.

About the role

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of pioneering researchers, with the primary aim to understand the impact of age, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases on the brain's unique form and function. We seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms of healthy and accelerated brain ageing by coupling mechanics and neurobiology to create multiphysics‑informed predictive models of brain health. Our approach combines finite element modelling and medical image analysis. Finite element brain models are based on tissue segmentation, and our numerical simulations are validated against existing imaging data. The long‑term vision is to impact clinical practice by identifying characteristic manifestations of age, trauma, and disease on the brain's form and function.

Responsibilities

• Dedicate time to the field of Brain Health Across the Lifecycle, including research on physiological manifestations and physics‑based biomarkers that differentiate healthy and accelerated brain ageing.
• Create multiphysical constitutive models of cortical tissue degeneration during ageing and injury.
• Utilise longitudinal medical image data to infer brain ageing and injury mechanisms.
• Study the potential relationship between exposure to head impacts and the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related dementias later in life.
• Lead, devise, coordinate, and supervise research projects, provide guidance to researchers and students, continuously write papers, and apply for further funding.

Qualifications

• Relevant PhD/DPhil with post‑qualification experience in mechanical or biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in finite element modelling and data‑driven multiphysics approaches.
• Fluency in Python, Fortran, MATLAB and/or C/C++, and prior work with common finite element simulation software.
• Experience using established medical image analysis algorithms is beneficial.

Application details

Only online applications received before midday on 24 November 2025 can be considered. Applicants must upload a CV, a supporting statement, a research proposal, and details of two referees. For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/.

Contact information

Professor Johannes Weickenmeier – [e-mail]

Other information

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 8; Salary £49,119 – £58,265 per annum (inclusive of Oxford University weighting). This role holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting the Department’s commitment to promoting women in science, engineering and technology.