Senior Research Officer

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

Job summary

A leading research university in Colchester seeks a Senior Research Officer to contribute to biomechanics research focusing on lubrications and wear modeling. The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree and possess strong programming skills in Fortran and Python. Responsibilities include translating models into scalable simulation libraries and engaging in high-quality research activities. Offering a salary between £38,249 and £45,413 per annum, this is a fixed-term position with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in Fortran programming for scientific or engineering applications.
• Strong proficiency in Python for numerical computing.
• Experience with tools such as f2py for interfacing compiled code with Python.

Responsibilities

• Translate an existing FORTRAN lubrication and wear model into a modern open-source library.
• Perform optimisation, extension, and maintenance of Fortran numerical codes.
• Develop efficient Python interfaces for integration with compiled code.

Skills

Fortran programming

Python for numerical computing

Research publication

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline

Job description

The School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (SRES) at the University of Essex is an internationally recognised centre for excellence in research and education across biomechanics, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and human performance sciences. The School hosts state of the art laboratories, including two advanced biomechanics facilities equipped with Vicon camera systems, force plates, instrumented treadmills, and a wide range of EMG and IMU technologies.

This post is funded by the Medical Research Council as part of a project examining biomechanical load safety in people with hip and knee replacements. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of biomechanists, physiotherapists, statisticians, and clinical collaborators from the UK and abroad.

Duties of the Role

The Senior Research Officer will contribute directly to the delivery of the project’s research and technical objectives. The role centres on translating an existing FORTRAN‑based lubrication and wear model into a modern, high‑performance, open‑source library that can be used for scalable simulation and advanced data analysis.

The post holder will undertake the optimisation, extension and maintenance of Fortran numerical codes used for tribology and lubrication modelling and will develop efficient Python interfaces that allow seamless integration between compiled code and high‑level workflows. You will be responsible for building, testing and documenting shared libraries and ensuring that all computational outputs meet high standards of reproducibility, version control and documentation.

Beyond the technical aspects, the post holder will engage in high quality research activity, including data processing, modelling, interpretation and scholarly dissemination. You will contribute to publications, present findings at appropriate academic forums, and collaborate closely with project team members throughout all research stages.

The role also includes participation in departmental activities, engagement in knowledge exchange opportunities, and ongoing professional development. The post holder will be expected to help strengthen the research profile of the School and contribute to future research funding applications.

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.

Qualifications and Skills required

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline.

You must have substantial experience in Fortran programming for scientific or engineering applications, alongside strong proficiency in Python for numerical computing. Experience interfacing compiled code with Python, particularly through tools such as f2py, and a solid understanding of numerical methods for solving differential equations, are essential.

Applicants should demonstrate a developing research profile with evidence of high quality publications, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable attributes include experience in tribology, lubrication theory or fluid mechanics, familiarity with high performance computing or parallelisation, and knowledge of research software engineering practices such as testing, packaging and open source workflows.

This is a fixed-term post. Details of contract types available can be found within the job pack.

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email [e-mail].

£38,249 to £45,413 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)