Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Materials Engineering (Mechanical testing of metals, hydrogen embrittlement)
Summary
The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda’s research group (the Mechanics of Materials Lab). This fixed-term, one-year position (with the possibility of extension) is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project ResistHfracture. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge experiments to characterize how metals are affected by hydrogen embrittlement—a critical challenge for developing hydrogen energy infrastructure and structural integrity across various engineering sectors.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Materials, University of Oxford, UK
Key Job Details
| Feature | Details |
| Department | Engineering Science |
| Location | Central Oxford, UK |
| Salary | Grade 7: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum (Inclusive of Oxford University weighting) (Note: A Grade 6 offer of £35,681 – £41,636 p.a. as a Research Assistant may be made to candidates about to finish their PhD) |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Fixed-term (1 year initially, with potential extension) |
| Closing Date | September 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Midday) |
Research Area
- Primary Focus: Experimental Materials Engineering, specifically looking at the mechanical testing of metals and the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement.
- Impact: Addressing structural integrity issues caused by hydrogen in the transport, defence, marine, and construction sectors to enable safe hydrogen energy infrastructure.
Job Description
The successful candidate will be part of an ambitious ERC project aiming to bring a paradigm shift to the discipline. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting a wide variety of experimental tasks such as mechanical testing (including fracture and fatigue), advanced materials characterisation (including SEM and EBSD), hydrogen charging, permeation, and desorption tests.
- Capitalizing on opportunities to access synchrotron facilities.
- Actively participating in the activities of the research group and collaborating with academic partners and sponsors.
- Submitting high-quality research publications to reputable journals.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience: You should have demonstrable experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Mechanical testing
- Environmentally assisted fracture testing
- Temperature-programmed hydrogen desorption
- Materials characterisation
- Hydrogen permeation
- Coupled deformation-diffusion modelling
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official university portal.
- Prepare a covering letter/supporting statement that includes a brief statement of your research interests, outlining how your past experience and future plans align with this position.
- Include an up-to-date CV.
- Provide the contact details of two referees.
- Submit your application online before the deadline via the Oxford Job Portal.
For informal enquiries, you may contact Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda via email at emilio.martinez-paneda@eng.ox.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
September 10, 2026, before 12:00 PM (Midday)
