Researcher in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (0176-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
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About the College/Department
Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.
The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology – we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.
School of Engineering and Built Environment
TheSchool of Engineering and Built Environmentat the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment.
The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies.
The discipline area is located in the University’s STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co-located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda.
About the Role
We are seeking a Researcher with proven experience in computational methods to join our team and contribute to a range of internationally funded research projects. The postholder will play a key role in the European-funded PANTAREI project, while also supporting activities within the NATO Science for Peace-funded ATHENA project, focused on nanocomposites for space applications, and the ESA Topical Team ENABLE.
Working closely with the Principal Investigator and project partners, you will contribute to the development and application of innovative research methodologies, undertake data analysis and investigation, and help advance knowledge within these cutting-edge research areas. You will be expected to take initiative in shaping research activities, contribute to funding proposals where appropriate, and build collaborative relationships with academic and external stakeholders.
The role also includes supporting the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in project-related research, helping to develop their research skills and contributing to teaching activities where appropriate. A key aspect of the position will be disseminating research outcomes through publications in high-quality journals and presentations at national and international conferences, in line with the projects’ dissemination objectives.
The PANTAREI Project
PANTAREI provides concrete, attractive, interdisciplinary and tech-oriented solutions for digitalising the entire life cycle of complex multi-scale bio-derived materials, from the design, to meta-structures realization and assessment stage
Buildings are globally responsible for more than 30% of total energy use and 19% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. They wield a colossal and far-reaching impact on the environment, voraciously consuming vast natural resources and spewing out emissions that fuel the relentless advance of global warming.
The future of sustainable constructions is represented by the Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) concept, that pertains to a structurally advanced and highly energy-efficient edifice, which, over a defined timeframe, generally a year, generates an equivalent amount of energy as it consumes.
To materialise this goal, there is the urgency to overcome an evident mismatch between digital technologies and meta-structures made of novel sustainable materials.
About You
You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Computational Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with experience of delivering high-quality research in computational modelling and simulation.
You will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: computational multiscale/multiphysics analysis, finite element methods (e.g. FEniCS), machine learning for materials and structural optimisation, high-performance computing, or advanced programming and user-defined subroutines. Knowledge of Noise Reduction Methods and Thermal Analysis is welcome
Experience with ICME tools and modern software engineering approaches for computational research is also essential. With strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, you will be able to work independently and collaboratively, contribute to publications and presentations, and support the supervision of student researchers. You will be adaptable, proactive and committed to delivering high-quality research outcomes within an international, multidisciplinary environment.
A Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellowship is desirable but not essential. A willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and overseas is required.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Teacher’s Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Angelo Maligno, Research Chair in Composite Materials via a.maligno@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.
The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI:
- Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
- You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
- You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
- You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
You must also meet the English Language requirement.
Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.
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Closing Date: 10 Aug 2026
Area: Teaching and Research
Salary: £29,588 to £44,746 per annum
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