Postdoctoral Research Associate In Experimental Materials Engineering; Mechanical Testing Of Me

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Materials Engineering (mechanical testing of metals, hydrogen embrittlement) to join Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda's research group (the Mechanics of Materials Lab) at the Department of Engineering Science, Oxford. This fixed-term post is initially offered for one year with the possibility of extension and is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project Resist Hfracture.

The role involves conducting experiments to characterize the susceptibility of metals to hydrogen embrittlement, a key challenge for hydrogen energy infrastructure and related structural applications.

You will conduct a wide range of experimental tasks, including mechanical testing (fracture and fatigue), advanced materials characterization (including SEM and EBSD), hydrogen charging, permeation and desorption tests. Opportunities to access synchrotron facilities may be available, and expertise or interest in this domain is valuable. You will participate in collaborative work, contribute to the activities of the research group, submit publications to reputable journals, and liaise with academic collaborators and sponsors.

You will have access to cutting-edge facilities and be part of an ambitious ERC project aiming to advance the discipline.

• Plan and execute mechanical testing, including fracture and fatigue experiments.
• Perform advanced materials characterization (SEM, EBSD) to correlate microstructure with hydrogen embrittlement behavior.
• Conduct hydrogen charging, permeation, and desorption tests.
• Collaborate with group members and external partners; contribute to experimental design and data interpretation.
• Prepare and co-author publications in reputable journals and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Engage with potential collaborators and sponsors; participate in grant-related activities as required.
• Utilize available facilities, including synchrotron resources where applicable.

• You must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or other closely related disciplines.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas:
• Mechanical testing
• Environmentally assisted fracture testing
• Temperature-programmed hydrogen desorption
• Materials characterization
• Hydrogen permeation
• Coupled deformation-diffusion modeling

The position is based in Oxford, and the appointment is aligned with the ERC Resist Hfracture project. Research deadlines and performance expectations will reflect standard academic practice and the objectives of the grant.