Job Description

Research Fellow (Structural Engineering) (109825-0625)

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Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
School of Engineering
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
Fixed Term Contract until 12th September 2025
Hours
33.5 hours per week / 0.92 FTE
Salary
35,116 - 45,413 per annum pro rata
About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Stephen Hicks (Professor) Stephen.J.Hicks@warwick.ac.uk

This fixed term post (0.92 FTE, equivalent of 33.5 hours per week) will commence as soon as possible until 12 September 2025.


Steel and concrete composite construction has proved popular over the last thirty years and has largely accounted for the dominance of multi-storey steel frames within the commercial building sector. To provide further material savings and reduce the embodied carbon within buildings, there is a demand for more efficient composite floors which include the use of high-performance steel.


You will undertake experimental research on an industry-supported project, which will investigate the structural performance of innovative composite steel and concrete floor systems. Supported by the School of Engineering technical staff, you will be responsible for:

overseeing the construction and load testing of full-scale test specimens to destruction on the large strong floor at Warwick installation of instrumentation to monitor the behaviour of the specimens undertaking tests on small-scale samples of the materials to determine the mechanical properties, and post-processing of the experimental results.

The structural experiments will include tests on: simply-supported and continuous cold-formed profiled sheeting using high strength steel; and simply-simply supported composite slabs. It is expected that the results will be used to inform and improve the structural Eurocodes.


This post is based at the University of Warwick and requires a commitment for regular on-site experimental work. You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication. You will be expected to deal with any management / administration problems that may arise from the project, as well as produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.


This role offers the opportunity to conduct both independent and collaborative research, with a focus on regular on-site experimental work. You'll be responsible for writing up your findings for publication, managing any administrative aspects of the project, and delivering regular progress reports. Your contributions will play a key role in ensuring the project's objectives and deadlines are successfully achieved.


If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.



About You
You will have a PhD in Structural Engineering or a related field, with a strong background in experimental research. Additional background in numerical modelling will be an advantage. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management and IT skills. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. A strong publication record in high quality peer-reviewed journals is highly desirable. The ability to code in Matlab will constitute a distinct advantage.


We are looking for a dedicated and highly qualified individual to join our team. You will hold a good honours degree (2.1 minimum) or equivalent in a relevant subject, with a PhD (or nearing completion) in a related field. With a proven ability in research and a track record of producing high-quality research output, you will have the expertise to work within established research programmes and the potential to publish or contribute to further high-impact research.


You will bring a strong foundation of specialist knowledge in your discipline and research techniques, alongside the ability to contribute to funding proposals for external research projects. The role requires excellent collaboration skills, working effectively with both academic and administrative colleagues, including those outside the University, to foster a supportive and collegial environment.


Beyond your research responsibilities, you will contribute to the broader life of the School by supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work. Your strong communication skills, fluency in English, and excellent interpersonal abilities are key, along with good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical research software.


With a solid background in experimental research, material testing, and data post-processing, you'll also have excellent time management, organisational skills, and a clear understanding of equal opportunity.


For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.



About the Department
The post will be based within the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, which is one of the leading unified Engineering schools in the UK.


The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.


We offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement (30 days per annum for this role, plus four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays). As well as competitive salaries we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions, and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.


The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Silver award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick



About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We're one of the world's top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be 'world leading or internationally excellent'*.


You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Research Excellence Framework 2021


To find out more about us visit our website.



How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: Monday 28th July 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, submit an application form by the closing date.


Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application form past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 23:30).


You will have to attach a CV and a cover letter.

Your

CV

should include your employment history (including your most recent employment), your education history, and any other relevant experience. Your

cover letter

should explain your

motivations for applying

to the role. It should also explain, using examples, how you meet each of the

essential and desirable criteria

detailed in the Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.