Job Description

Salary

PDRA level, the starting salary will be from 34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.
PDRF level, the starting salary will be from 43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

26/11/2025

Job reference

Q10824

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy - Department of Engineering

This new full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from February 2026 until May 2027 on a fixed-term basis, within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working - some time on campus and some from home.

The post

The Environment, Science, and Economy Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to participate in the EPSRC funded project "PRICE-SCM (powder amorphisation using shock waves for supplementary cementitious materials production)", ran in collaboration between the University of Exeter and the UK Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Didcot).

The funded post is available from February 2026 for a duration of 16 months. The successful applicant will support the research activities carried out by Dr Vinai and the project team, involving molecular dynamics simulation, support to laser processing of powders, physical characterisation of processed powders, and assessment of their properties in cementitious systems.

The post will include a significant time spent at the Central Laser Facility premises in Didcot, as well as some time spent at the University of Exeter for the physical and mechanical characterisation of the cementitious systems and the assessment of their environmental profiles.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a recognised expert in shockwave application, and will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to carry out numerical modelling for molecular dynamics simulation, will have experience in laser processing or other shockwave processing techniques, and will have a sound understanding of solid-state chemistry and physics.

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career


A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Raffaele Vinai, e-mail r.vinai@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 72 3627.

The closing date for completed applications is

14th December 2025

at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place early January 2026 (tentatively).