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 (central Oxford). This fixed-term post, initially offered for one year but with the possibility of extension, is funded by the ERC Starting Grant project ResistHfracture. 

 

You will conduct experiments to characterise the susceptibility of metals to hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon that is arguably the biggest threat to the deployment of a hydrogen energy infrastructure and the cause of numerous structural integrity problems in the transport, defence, marine and construction sectors.

 

You will be responsible for conducting a wide variety of experimental tasks, including (but not limited to) mechanical testing (including fracture and fatigue), advanced materials characterisation (including SEM and EBSD), hydrogen charging, permeation and desorption tests. There are opportunities to access synchrotron facilities, so expertise/interest in this domain is also valuable. You will also be expected to take part in collaborative work, participate in 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 at bringing a paradigm shift to the discipline.

 

You must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or other closely-related disciplines. Also, you should have experience in at least one of the following:

 

•            Mechanical testing

•            Environmentally assisted fracture testing

•            Temperature-programmed hydrogen desorption

•            Materials characterisation

•            Hydrogen permeation

•            Coupled deformation-diffusion modelling

 

For those candidates about to finish their PhD degrees, a lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6: £35,681- £41,636 p.a.) with a commensurate reduction in responsibilities (and amendment in job title to Research Assistant) until the PhD is awarded.

 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Emilio Martinez-Paneda (email: emilio.martinez-paneda@eng.ox.ac.uk)

 

For more information about working at the Department, see

 

www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

 

Only online applications received before midday on the 10th September 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.