Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) Opportunity in Structural En[...]

Organisation / Company: University of Bath

Department: Architecture & Civil Engineering

Are you a motivated researcher looking to advance your career and contribute to cutting-edge studies in the preservation of historic structures? Join University of Bath's Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, a leading hub for innovation in structural engineering, heritage conservation, and regenerative design. We are inviting talented researchers holding a PhD and with no more than eight years of experience in research to prepare a competitive Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA‑PF) proposal with the University of Bath as Host Institution.

Research Areas of Interest

• Conservation Techniques for Historic Buildings and Bridges.
• Non‑Destructive Inspection Methods.
• Diagnosis and Intervention Design for Aging Infrastructure.
• Monitoring Systems for Heritage Buildings.
• Sustainable and Vernacular Architecture Methods.
• Structural Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Traditional Materials.
• Performance of Earthen Structures.
• Constitutive Modelling for Traditional Materials.
• Advanced Non‑Linear Numerical Simulations.
• Enhancing the Robustness and Resilience of the Built Environment.
• Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering and Conservation.
• Asset Information Modelling for Heritage Conservation.
• Digital Twins, Industry 5.0, and Regenerative Design.

Why Apply

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships aim to support researchers' careers by providing opportunities to gain international experience, acquire new skills, and expand professional networks. As a Fellow in our group, you will:

• Benefit from our expertise in lab testing, non‑destructive evaluation, and digital innovation.
• Access world‑class research facilities at the University of Bath.
• Engage with interdisciplinary projects that blend structural engineering, material science, and conservation.
• Collaborate with our partners and industry stakeholders, enhancing the impact and outreach of your research.

Two different fellowships are available:

• European Postdoctoral Fellowships: Open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.
• Global Postdoctoral Fellowships: Fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non‑associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long‑term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.

Selected applicants will receive detailed support in preparing the application from the host supervisor at all stages of the process, from early draft, including advice related to budgets and facilities required. Our Research Development team can offer additional lay feedback and advice on proposal drafts to ensure their competitiveness.

Applicants

• Must hold a PhD at the time of the call deadline. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.
• Must have a maximum of eight years of experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree; years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long‑term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.
• Should comply with mobility rules: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the beneficiary (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.
• Must demonstrate a strong research background and interest in one or more of the topics listed above.

Your main supervisor will be Dr. Alejandro Jiménez Rios. He is a Lecturer in Structural Engineering and the History, Conservation, and Management Co‑Leader at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath. Having successfully completed a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) in the past himself, he brings a wealth of experience in navigating the intricacies of the application process, as well as a deep understanding of the high standards expected by evaluators.

Host Institution

The University of Bath is a leading UK research and teaching institution, with a vibrant student body and excellent facilities, located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. Ranked in the 150 top universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings, 8th in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and awarded triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, Bath has a reputation for excellence. In 2021, 92% of Bath’s research was classified as world‑leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework, making the University of Bath a top choice for anyone looking to further develop their career.

The Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering is a joint department that brings together teaching and research expertise in architecture and civil engineering. This interdisciplinary focus underlies all its activities and gives students and staff a vibrant environment to grow as individuals and professionals. It promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research drawing on both fields of expertise.

Bath

The City of Bath is exceptional in having two UNESCO inscriptions. In 1987 the City of Bath was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, and in 2021 received a second inscription as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. With world famous Georgian buildings designed by prominent English architects such as John Wood the Elder, Bath is a unique city in which to live, work or study, with plentiful modern amenities and excellent transport links to the South West and London. Bath is an elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces, and a few surprises.

To Apply

If you are interested in preparing a MSCA‑PF proposal with University of Bath as the Host Institution, and under the supervision of Dr. Alejandro Jiménez Rios, please email your CV, Motivation Letter, 2 letters of recommendation, and a Brief Research Proposal (max 3 pages) to the following email by 28 February 2026: Interviews of shortlisted applicants will be conducted in March. The selected candidate(s) will be announced in the first week of April. We look forward to supporting your application and advancing knowledge in heritage conservation and sustainable construction practices together. Join us in shaping the future of structural engineering and the preservation of our built heritage!

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive University, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under‑represented groups. If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your motivation letter.