Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling of Lightweight Aerospace Structures
University Of Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire, UK
Published today
Post Title: Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling of Lightweight Aerospace Structures
SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Fixed term
Salary: UH7 £38,249 pa with potential to progress to £45,413 pa by annual increments
Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science wishes to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow supported by the Sir Geoffrey de Havilland fund. The successful candidate will join a School that has very strong legacy in aerospace structures that spans over eight decades. This is a unique opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment at the interface of materials' science and engineering utilising the new state-of-the-art facilities of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.
Main duties and responsibilities
The postholder will contribute to the evolution of an ongoing research programme on the numerical modelling of lightweight aerospace structures subjected to impact loading. The post requires expert knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas: (i) development of numerical modelling tools (preferably meshless methods such as the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method); (ii) dynamic response (crashworthiness, impact loading) of lightweight structures (aerospace, automotive preferably); (iii) advanced modelling techniques such as multi-scale modelling or task-based parallelism; (iv) modelling of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, resin infusion, welding.
Contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals helping to manage and direct the project as opportunities allow, is expected. In addition, the successful candidate may contribute to the further development of high-speed impact test facility (bird strike, ice and debris impact) and may be given the opportunity to contribute to relevant teaching.
The postholder will contribute to the management of the research activities of the project and is expected to disseminate the outcomes of the work in high calibre journal publications, conferences and other appropriate media. It is also expected that the successful candidate will create opportunities to maximise research activities and capture relevant evidence to support impact. The successful candidate will engage and effectively collaborate with colleagues at UH, partner organisations and any other external partners and stakeholders as per the requirements of the project.
Skill and experience required
The post holder will require proven experience working in a research environment or team, supported by research experience in the subject area including, as appropriate, collaborative partnerships with other HEI's or external partners. You will hold a record of scholarly work such as published work in peer reviewed journals and have experience of presenting research findings such as contributions to conferences and symposia at a local and national level.
You will have a knowledge of research methodology appropriate for the subject area and of appropriate databases for the discipline and ability to conduct literature searches in the discipline using appropriate electronic resources. You will be able to deal with sensitive material with strict confidentiality, applying a methodical approach with good attention to detail.
You must possess excellent interpersonal and presentation skills in spoken and written English. You will be flexible and adaptable to workload and team requirements whilst working effectively in a team setting, being able to demonstrate initiative and the ability to learn new skills.
The role requires that you have good IT skills, including the use of MS Office, you are numerate and literate, and are able to work to tight deadlines, dealing with conflicting priorities and to work accurately under pressure. You must be able to collect, process and present data and deal with sensitive material with strict confidentiality with tact and diplomacy. You will have a can-do attitude to problem solving whilst demonstrating commitment to continuous development.
Qualifications required
You will require an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, and a PhD (or equivalent qualification), or close to completion of PhD (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area.
Please view the job description and annex person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
This post cannot be visa sponsored unless the applicant has a PhD / Doctorate.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:
Dr Tom De Vuyst (t.de-vuyst@herts.ac.uk) - Reader in Aerospace Structures - Head of Materials & Structures Research Group
Dr Antonios Kanellopoulos (a.kanellopoulos@herts.ac.uk) - Director of the Centre for Engineering Research
Closing Date: 14 July 2025
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: REQ000103
Date advert placed: 16 June 2025
Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts
SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Fixed term
Salary: UH7 £38,249 pa with potential to progress to £45,413 pa by annual increments
Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
The School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science wishes to recruit a postdoctoral research fellow supported by the Sir Geoffrey de Havilland fund. The successful candidate will join a School that has very strong legacy in aerospace structures that spans over eight decades. This is a unique opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment at the interface of materials' science and engineering utilising the new state-of-the-art facilities of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.
Main duties and responsibilities
The postholder will contribute to the evolution of an ongoing research programme on the numerical modelling of lightweight aerospace structures subjected to impact loading. The post requires expert knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas: (i) development of numerical modelling tools (preferably meshless methods such as the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method); (ii) dynamic response (crashworthiness, impact loading) of lightweight structures (aerospace, automotive preferably); (iii) advanced modelling techniques such as multi-scale modelling or task-based parallelism; (iv) modelling of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, resin infusion, welding.
Contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals helping to manage and direct the project as opportunities allow, is expected. In addition, the successful candidate may contribute to the further development of high-speed impact test facility (bird strike, ice and debris impact) and may be given the opportunity to contribute to relevant teaching.
The postholder will contribute to the management of the research activities of the project and is expected to disseminate the outcomes of the work in high calibre journal publications, conferences and other appropriate media. It is also expected that the successful candidate will create opportunities to maximise research activities and capture relevant evidence to support impact. The successful candidate will engage and effectively collaborate with colleagues at UH, partner organisations and any other external partners and stakeholders as per the requirements of the project.
Skill and experience required
The post holder will require proven experience working in a research environment or team, supported by research experience in the subject area including, as appropriate, collaborative partnerships with other HEI's or external partners. You will hold a record of scholarly work such as published work in peer reviewed journals and have experience of presenting research findings such as contributions to conferences and symposia at a local and national level.
You will have a knowledge of research methodology appropriate for the subject area and of appropriate databases for the discipline and ability to conduct literature searches in the discipline using appropriate electronic resources. You will be able to deal with sensitive material with strict confidentiality, applying a methodical approach with good attention to detail.
You must possess excellent interpersonal and presentation skills in spoken and written English. You will be flexible and adaptable to workload and team requirements whilst working effectively in a team setting, being able to demonstrate initiative and the ability to learn new skills.
The role requires that you have good IT skills, including the use of MS Office, you are numerate and literate, and are able to work to tight deadlines, dealing with conflicting priorities and to work accurately under pressure. You must be able to collect, process and present data and deal with sensitive material with strict confidentiality with tact and diplomacy. You will have a can-do attitude to problem solving whilst demonstrating commitment to continuous development.
Qualifications required
You will require an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, and a PhD (or equivalent qualification), or close to completion of PhD (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area.
Please view the job description and annex person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
This post cannot be visa sponsored unless the applicant has a PhD / Doctorate.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:
Dr Tom De Vuyst (t.de-vuyst@herts.ac.uk) - Reader in Aerospace Structures - Head of Materials & Structures Research Group
Dr Antonios Kanellopoulos (a.kanellopoulos@herts.ac.uk) - Director of the Centre for Engineering Research
Closing Date: 14 July 2025
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: REQ000103
Date advert placed: 16 June 2025
Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts