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Location

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department

School of Engineering

Position Type

Fixed Term, Part Time

Duration

Ending 12 September 2025

Hours

0.92 FTE (33.5 hours per week)

Salary

£34,866 to £45,163 per annum, pro rata

About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Stephen Hicks (Professor) at 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.

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.

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.

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.

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

How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 11.55pm

To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date. Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 11.30pm).

Please attach a CV and cover letter.

• Your CV should include your most recent employment experience, any other relevant experience, and education history.
• Your cover letter must detail how you meet each of the essential criteria found in the