Job Description

We are seeking a part-time (20% FTE) Research Assistant in Microfluidic Flow Characterization to join the Poromechanics Lab under Prof. Chris MacMinn in the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). This post is funded by EPSRC Project POPFS (Standard Grant EP/X034437/1) and is fixed-term to 31 December 2026

This post is part of a multi-university collaboration on the permeation of semi-dilute aqueous polymer solutions ("polymer fluids") into soils for applications in construction engineering. You will be responsible for using an existing apparatus to characterize the flow of various polymer fluids through custom microfluidic flow cells by measuring macroscopic flow rates and pressure drops and performing micro-scale imaging, image analysis, and velocimetry.

You should possess a strong background in experimental fluid mechanics and hands-on experience with microfluidics and flow characterization, including flow-cell design and fabrication, pressure measurement, imaging, and image processing.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Chris MacMinn (email: christopher.macminn@eng.ox.ac.uk).

For more information about working at the Department, see
www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on

13 August 2025

can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Fluid mechanics, microfluidics, porous media, non-Newtonian fluids, image processing