Postdoctoral Research Assistant In Circular Product Engineering

Position

We are seeking a full‑time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Circular Economy and Sustainability Lab in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. The post is funded by UKRI, is fixed‑term for one year, with a possibility of extension. The PDRA will join the Circular Electrical and Electronics Project (CEEP), which aims to enable a low‑carbon circular economy for electrical and electronic equipment (EEEs) that reduces the mining of rare, expensive and critical raw materials.

CEEP is supported by a consortium of over 25 partners from across the EEE value chain. The PDRA will lead the engineering evidence‑generation activities in Work Package 2. The role will focus on analysing IT and telecommunications products, including smartphones, laptops, servers and routers, to develop a comprehensive engineering database of circular material, component and product design interventions. This evidence will underpin the development of a decision‑support framework for industry to understand sustainability trade‑offs for different circular design strategies.

The candidate should possess a relevant PhD/DPhil (e.g., Engineering, Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design) with practical experience in product design and relevant knowledge of circular economy, eco‑design and sustainable design. They should be competent in engineering analysis, including product teardown, product architecture mapping, component and material analysis, and engineering feasibility assessments. A willingness to learn and the ability to work independently and as part of a larger team dedicated to the transition to the circular economy are essential.

At the University of Oxford, your happiness and wellbeing at work are important to us. Benefits include 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), a generous pension scheme and free access to the Oxford colleges.