Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Impact and Shock Mechanics

Grade and salary: Grade 7: £39,424 – £47,779 per annum (While the role is a grade 7 position, we would be willing to consider candidates with potential but less experience who are seeking a development opportunity, for which an initial appointment would be at grade 6 (£35,681 – £41,636 per annum) with the responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate.)

Location: Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke, Oxford

The Impact and Shock Mechanics Laboratory (ISML) is seeking a highly motivated scientist to support a high-value materials characterisation programme as a postdoctoral researcher. The ability to think outside the box with creativity, along with having the drive and ambition to develop those ideas in a highly experimental laboratory is what we value in our colleagues. This is a 1‑year fixed‑term post in the first instance, with possibility of renewal.

You will be working as part of a team to study the high‑rate mechanical behaviour of ceramic materials. You will design, coordinate, instrument, and carry out novel experiments using precision impact platforms both in‑house and at partner facilities. You will have the opportunity to field time‑resolved imaging, spectroscopy, and X‑ray diagnostics, among others, to enhance the type and level of detail extracted from these high‑value experiments.

As part of this role, you will work closely with other researchers to translate these experimental results into our numerical models, helping to improve their predictive capability.

You will help ensure a healthy and vibrant research environment within the Impact and Shock Mechanics Laboratory. You will be asked to provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, PhD and project students, as well as to represent the PI and ISML when required.

You will hold a Masters or PhD degree (or be close to completion) in a relevant subject area. You will have exceptional initiative and the ability to work independently at the highest level, including a demonstrable ability to complete projects and manage your own area of academic research.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Daniel Eakins:

For more information about working at the Department, see

Only online applications received before midday on 2nd February 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.

£35,681 to £47,779 per annum. Grade 6/7