Research Fellow in Structural Engineering, Steel Structures

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dedicated post-doctoral researcher to join an EPSRC funded project entitled “HYBRID LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS FOR LOW-COST HOUSING (HYLIGHTS)” bringing together academic partners from three universities and a number of industrial partners.

School/Section

Engineering

Duration of Post

Funding/Activity Limited

This is a collaborative research project between the University of Aberdeen, Imperial College London, and the University of Sheffield. The Aberdeen role will be focused on system development based on advanced finite element (FE) analysis and contribution to large-scale experimental testing conducted in London and Sheffield. A hybrid lightweight steel framing (LSF) system will be developed and assessed using the FE packages ABAQUS and CSI SAP2000 at connection, module, and the whole structure levels. The developed FE models will be validated against experiments followed by a comprehensive parametric study leading to development of design criteria to predict the strength and stiffness of the connections. The researcher will have the opportunity to co-supervise associated PhD and UG/MSc student projects.

Duties and responsibilities

• You will plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims, including undertaking finite element modelling, experimental and design studies, generating results, interpreting their implications, and maintaining accurate and complete records of all findings. 

• You will also write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination, giving you the opportunity to present research findings to colleagues and at conferences. 

• You will interact with a wide range of people, including Dr Alireza Bagheri as supervisor, and other colleagues and researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield, industry partners and students working in the broad areas of relevance to the research.

Essential requirements

• You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in structural engineering as well as an excellent honours degree in civil engineering.
• You must have a relevant engineering background, a very strong understanding of structural behaviour, and in particular steel structures and previous relevant experience in computational modelling and experimental testing.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £35,333-£37,474 per annum  with placement according to qualifications and experience.

As this post is funded by EPSRC, it is available for a period of 30 months.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Alireza Bagheri, e-mail:  [email protected] 

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa.  At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Patrycja Bromm, HR Adviser (Graduate Trainee) (e-mail: [email protected]) for further information. 

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs  

Job Reference Number:  ENG197R 

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 31 October 2022 

The School of Engineering embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.