Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Circular Product Engineering in Oxford

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Circular Economy and Sustainability Lab at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by UKRI and is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of an extension. The PDRA will join the Circular Electrical and Electronics Project, which aims to enable a low-carbon circular economy for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (CEEE) that reduces the mining of rare, expensive and critical raw materials. CEEP is supported by a consortium of over 25 partners from across the EEE value chain.

The PDRA will lead the engineering evidence generation activities in Work Package 2. The role will focus on analysing IT and Telecommunications products, including smartphones, laptops, servers and routers, to develop a comprehensive engineering database of circular material, component and product design interventions. This engineering evidence will underpin the subsequent development of a decision-support framework for industry to understand sustainability trade-offs for different circular design strategies.

The candidate should possess a relevant PhD/DPhil (e.g. Engineering, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design), with practical experience in product design, and relevant knowledge of circular economy, eco-design and sustainable design. You should be competent in engineering analysis, including product teardown, product architecture mapping, component and material analysis, and engineering feasibility assessments. You should be enthusiastic to learn and work independently and as part of a larger team working on the transition to the circular economy.

At the University of Oxford your happiness and wellbeing at work is important to us. We have a number of generous benefits including 38 days' annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits on offer can be found here: Staff benefits.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references. The position is a full-time fixed term post available for 12 months. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 19 August 2026. The interview is expected to be online on 1 September 2026. Candidates will be asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation of their research skills and contributions to date, followed by a panel interview.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. The Department is committed to equality and valuing diversity and holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender equality in academia. The University is a Living Wage Employer, holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, an HR Excellence in Research and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we seek to create a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through our EDI Committee, working groups and networks, for example eng.ox.ac.uk/women-in-engineering, as well as a number of family friendly policies.