We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join an exciting interdisciplinary research project funded by a prestigious APEX Royal Society Award. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of structural engineering, materials science and polymer engineering, developing next-generation materials for complex engineering environments.

Working within a collaborative interdisciplinary team spanning materials chemistry and civil engineering, you will play a leading role in the material characterisation and structural testing of advanced reinforced concrete structures. Your research will contribute to improving the durability, resilience and sustainability of future infrastructure.

You will:

• Design and deliver high-quality experimental and analytical research in structural engineering.
• Plan and conduct laboratory testing and analyse experimental data using appropriate computational methods.
• Develop innovative research methodologies and contribute to project planning and reporting.
• Publish your findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present your work at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with academic and external partners within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Support the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students where appropriate.

About you

You will have:

• A PhD in Structural Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in structural engineering research, ideally including reinforced concrete, structural materials, durability, structural health monitoring, corrosion, experimental testing or numerical modelling.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality research and developing innovative engineering solutions.

Why join us:

Experience publishing research, presenting at conferences, supervising students and working with industry partners would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to an exciting interdisciplinary project. You will work alongside colleagues from Chemistry and Civil Engineering, develop your research profile through publications and conference presentations, and contribute to research that supports the resilience and sustainability of future infrastructure.

If you are an enthusiastic researcher with an interest in structural engineering and advanced materials, we encourage you to apply.

For any informal enquiries contact Dr Marina Bock at m.bock@aston.ac.uk

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.

See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Closing Date: 12 Aug 2026

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £41,064 per annum (pro-rata)

The project focuses on the development of next-generation materials for specialised engineering environments. Bringing together expertise in materials science, polymer engineering and civil engineering, the research aims to develop innovative material technologies that contribute to the durability, sustainability and resilience of future infrastructure systems.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team spanning Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering and will play a leading role in the design, synthesis and evaluation of advanced hydrated materials with tailored physical, chemical and mechanical properties.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to work at the interface of materials science and engineering while contributing to a growing interdisciplinary research programme with significant potential for future development.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train. 
• Excellent training and development opportunities. 
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
• Great family friendly policies
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here 

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.

See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Closing Date: 09 Aug 2026

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £41,064 to £46,049 per annum