Job Specifications
About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries about the role, please contact Emmanouil Kakouris (Assistant Professor) at Emmanouil.Kakouris@warwick.ac.uk
This is a full-time (36.5 hours per week) fixed-term position for 3 years, funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Met2Adapt (Grant Agreement 101227175). The intended start date is 5 October 2026.
Salary for this position will vary depending on entitlement of family allowance and enrolment in the pension scheme. The mobility allowance is automatically included as part of the salary which currently is £493.91 per month.
We are seeking to appoint a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Researcher, to undertake doctoral research in computational mechanics for the prediction of damage and fracture in meta-material composites.
This post includes registration for, and completion of, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering. The project title is DC10: Development of deep learning-based surrogate models for predicting failure in meta-material composites. We are looking for a motivated student to join a cutting-edge PhD project at the intersection of fracture mechanics and computational modelling.
The project will focus on the development of advanced numerical models (e.g. finite element method). The aim is to enable rapid and reliable prediction of material failure in complex engineering systems, with applications in renewable-energy structures and advanced materials.
You will join an internationally collaborative research environment within the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick and will work closely with the Principal Investigator and academic and industrial partners across Europe. As part of the Doctoral Network, you will participate in structured training activities, international secondments and network-wide research events.
You will undertake independent and collaborative research, contribute to project deliverables and reporting, and disseminate findings through high-quality journal publications and international conferences.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop strong expertise in computational modelling and advanced engineering analysis within a prestigious EU-funded research programme.
About You
You will hold a good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
A Master’s or equivalent in a relevant discipline is required.
We are looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in computational modelling and engineering mechanics. Experience in these areas is beneficial, but a strong willingness to learn and apply your skills to real-world challenges is equally important.
Some research experience (for example through a dissertation project, internship, or publication) would be advantageous. However, we welcome applicants who can demonstrate curiosity, analytical ability, and the potential to develop as an independent researcher at doctoral level.
Experience in computational mechanics, numerical methods (such as finite element methods), or programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar) would be helpful. That said, training and support will be provided as part of the doctoral programme.
You should have good communication skills and be able to express your ideas clearly in English, both in writing and in discussion.
We value teamwork and collaboration. You should be comfortable working with academic colleagues and external partners within an international research environment.
Good organisational skills and basic IT competence, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, are expected.
In line with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network mobility rules, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or study) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About The Department
Further information about the project team can be found in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Met2Adapt (Grant Agreement 101227175) and the coordinator website.
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
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