Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874 

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to November 2026

Background

FractureFix is a UKRI EPSRC funded International Centre to Centre Award concerned with research investigating secondary osteoporosis and bone fracture. It comprises a collaboration between the University of Birmingham (Lead organisation), ETH Zurich, Switzerland and Uppsala University, Sweden. Within this consortium, the role aims to elucidate the fundamental material and structural properties of bone in these pathologies. This data will be used in complex models predicting fracture which will be developed at ETH Zurich. As part of this role, you will take a lead in the following activities:

• Provide a set of specific requirements for the testing of bone to ensure the needs of the models develop at ETH Zurich;
• Develop and deploy protocols to undertake a multiscale characterisation of bone as set out in;
• Undertake knowledge transfer with colleagues at ETH Zurich to ensure the integration of data into the fracture models.

Main Duties

• Delivering cutting edge research in the specified area
• Collaborating with researchers within FractureFix and beyond to enhance our understanding of bone properties in secondary osteoporosis
• Ensuring good report and management practices internally and with stakeholders including working in Zurich with the potential for a short secondment
• Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining accurate records
• Delivering the outcomes guided by the research aims and objectives including the necessary training required to advance the project
• Disseminating research results through recognised forms of output such as publications conferences or public engagement

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Mechanical Engineering or allied discipline 
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• A strong background/interest in spinal/bone biomechanics, materials characterisation and testing of biological tissues
• Proven skills in mechanical engineering design
• A demonstrable aptitude for experimental research with a strong understanding of the underpinning engineering science

Informal enquiries can be made to Richard Hall, email: r.m.hall@bham.ac.uk  

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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