Oxford, United Kingdom
Engineering Science
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Computational Mechanics and Multistable Metamaterials
Salary
£39,424 - £47,779 per annum
Closing date
Nov 06, 2026 12:00PM
We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join RADlab (www.radlab-oxford.com) at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford). The post is funded by UKRI and is fixed-term (1st March 2027 to 31st August 2027).
You Will Be Responsible For
- Developing computational models of inflatable and multistable structures and their assemblies, accounting for large deformations, material nonlinearity, contact and mechanical instabilities.
- Investigating how unit geometry, internal pressure and assembly architecture influence deployment, stiffness, strength and transitions between stable configurations.
- Characterising energy landscapes, snap-through transitions and hysteresis to establish design principles for mechanical metamaterials with controlled switching and shape retention.
- Using numerical simulation and optimisation to design structures with prescribed mechanical responses, in collaboration with experimental researchers who will fabricate and test the designs and provide measurements for model validation.
You Should Possess
- A PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline.
- A strong background in solid mechanics, particularly nonlinear deformation, structural stability and the mechanics of soft or slender structures.
- Experience in finite-element modelling using Abaqus, COMSOL, ANSYS or equivalent software, including nonlinear analysis and contact.
- Research experience in mechanical metamaterials, multistable systems, inflatable structures, soft robotics or closely related areas.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for numerical modelling, simulation automation, data analysis and optimisation.
- A record of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to your career stage, strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet research milestones.
Experience in modelling buckling, snap-through and post-buckling behaviour, analysing energy barriers and stability, shell or membrane mechanics, pressure-volume coupling, or inverse design would be advantageous.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Antonio Elia Forte (email: antonio.forte@eng.ox.ac.uk).
For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/.
The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
Soft-Robotics, Robotics, Mechanical Metamaterials, Inflatables, Mechanics.
Contact name: Professor Antonio Forte
Contact email: antonio.forte@eng.ox.ac.uk
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Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Computational Mechanics and Multistable Metamaterials Closing date: Nov 06, 2026 in Oxford employer: University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science
As a Senior Programme Manager at BOLD Lab, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises scientific excellence and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive environment, where you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects and develop your skills alongside esteemed academic and professional teams. Located in a vibrant academic setting, we offer unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge research facilities and a network of external partners dedicated to fostering sustainable growth.
Contact Details:
University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science Recruitment Team
