Research Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham School of Humanities; University Park (FL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham invites applications for a full-time researcher in computational fluid mechanics and finite element methods. You will develop a biophysical computational model of placental blood flow and biomechanics, collaborating with Mathematics, Computer Science, and health sciences teams on a Wellcome Trust project.

The role requires a PhD in mathematics or a closely related field, expertise in FE methods and solid/fluid mechanics, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• A PhD or near to completion of a PhD in mathematics.
• Expert knowledge of finite element methods, solid and fluid mechanics and software development.
• Background knowledge in poroelasticity, mathematical biology, mesh generation from experimental data.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

Skills

Finite element methods

Fluid mechanics

Solid mechanics

Software development

Education

PhD in mathematics

Job description

Salary £32,080 to £43,482 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Area Mathematical Sciences

Location University Park

Salary £32,080 to £43,482 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date Sunday 11 October 2026

Reference SCI130326

We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in computational fluid mechanics and finite element methods, to work with Matthew Hubbard and Reuben O’Dea on a Wellcome Trust funded project entitled “The Dynamics of Pregnancy: Integrating Imaging, wearables, and modelling to uncover Maternal-Placental-Fetal Interactions”. The overall aim of the project is to identify risk markers associated with stillbirth, ultimately enabling real-time, objective in-home monitoring to identify at‑risk pregnancies. This aim of this role is to develop a biophysical computational model which is capable of describing placental blood flow and biomechanics, and their impact on feto‑placental exchange. This will involve employing tools from computational solid and fluid mechanics, finite element methods and mathematical biology, and will involve close collaboration with colleagues in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Manchester.

You will join a highly multidisciplinary team involving researchers from mathematics, computer science, engineering, medical health sciences and physics. The project is a collaboration between the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester, Makerere (Uganda), Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Nottingham Trent University.

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research and are seeking applications from high quality candidates who enhance the diversity of our existing team. The School is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under‑represented in Mathematical Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.

Duties

You will be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to evidence how through your experience you will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

We are looking for a confident, organised researcher who can evidence:

• A PhD or near to completion of a PhD in mathematics or a relevant branch of mathematics.
• Expert knowledge of finite element methods, solid and fluid mechanics and software development.
• Background knowledge in one or more of the following areas
• Poroelasticity
• Mathematical biology
• Mesh generation from experimental data
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

This full‑time (36.25 hours) position is available from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed‑term contract for a period of 3 years. Subject to funding and satisfactory progress, there may be the opportunity to extend the appointment. Many of our team have flexible working patterns so we’re open to discuss flexible working arrangements with you.

For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences and active research themes see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/index.aspx

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Reuben O’Dea email: [e-mail]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further Details

• Job Description/Role Profile

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.