Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Mechanics (Fixed Term)

A position is available for a Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Mechanics in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. The research focuses on developing computational methods for imperfect/uncertain geometries, which present a significant challenge in digital design and analysis. These imperfections arise from manufacturing variations, operational wear, or corrosion and can critically degrade the performance and reliability of engineered products and systems.

The Research Assistant/Associate will join a research team developing innovative computational and mathematical techniques for handling random geometric imperfections. The work will leverage immersed boundary methods for simulation and probabilistic subdivision surfaces for geometry representation. The successful candidate will be integral to advancing these techniques and developing the corresponding software in collaboration with the Cambridge team, led by Professor Fehmi Cirak and project partners at Duke University, USA.

The post holder will be based in the new Civil Engineering Building (JJ Thomson Avenue 7a, Cambridge, CB3 0FA) West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The skills, qualifications, and experience required to perform the role are:

• A PhD (or be close to obtaining one) in computational mechanics, applied mathematics or a closely related area.
• A strong research track record in developing computational and mathematical methods for partial differential equations and their software implementation.
• Proficiency with modern software development frameworks and paradigms.
• Knowledge in complementary emerging research areas, such as Bayesian inverse problems, probabilistic analysis, or quantum computing, is highly desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: £32,296 - £34,866

Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 29 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter, and a research statement in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof Fehmi Cirak (fc286@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or Miss Sara Horsfield (div-d@eng.cam.ac.uk) for questions on the application process.

Please quote reference NM45155 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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