Logo
University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Computational Mechanics for Wi

University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, Connecticut, us, 06010

Save Job

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Computational Mechanics for Wind Energy Composite Structures 1 week ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

The University of Bristol invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the EPSRC‑funded BladeUp Prosperity Partnership, a collaboration with

Vestas , the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbine blades and wind turbines, and

LMAT , a specialist SME in composites process modelling. The project focuses on the design, manufacture and performance of next‑generation wind turbine blades, aiming to enable faster, cheaper, and more robust production through machine learning, multi‑scale modelling, and advanced process simulation.

The successful candidate will be based at the Bristol Composites Institute, the UK’s largest university‑based composites research centre, and will work closely with leading academic and industrial partners. You will contribute to the development of computational tools for the design and optimisation of large‑scale wind turbine blades, helping to deliver new engineering methods into industrial practice.

We Are Seeking a Researcher With Expertise In

Stochastic Structural Design – robust design under uncertainty and reliability analysis of full‑scale wind systems

Complementing Established Project Activities In

Multi‑scale finite‑element modelling of manufacturing defects and fatigue

Simulation and optimisation of liquid composite moulding and curing processes

Advanced modelling techniques for large‑scale composite simulation and integration with research and industrial software environments

Applicants should have expertise in two or more of the following areas: computational mechanics, composite manufacturing, stochastic design, aeroelasticity, wind turbine engineering, or multi‑scale modelling. Experience with relevant software tools (e.g. Abaqus, ANSYS, MATLAB, Python) and an interest in developing industry‑ready research tools are strongly encouraged.

What will you be doing?

Conducting high‑impact research in composite and structural modelling, and stochastic design, contributing to the future of blade manufacturing.

Collaborating with leading academic and industrial teams to co‑develop next‑generation design and optimisation tools.

Analysing large experimental and simulation datasets to improve blade performance, manufacturability, and reliability.

Publishing your findings in top journals and presenting at international conferences, with opportunities to contribute to tool integration and industrial implementation.

You should apply if

You have a PhD (or are near completion) in engineering, materials science, computational mechanics, or a closely related field.

You have expertise in one or more of the following: finite element modelling, composite manufacturing, machine learning, or stochastic design.

You are motivated to work across academic–industrial boundaries and contribute to practical solutions for clean energy technologies.

You enjoy collaborative, interdisciplinary research and are eager to publish, present, and translate your work into real‑world impact.

Additional information

For Informal Queries Please Contact:

Sarah Hallworth, BladeUp Project Manager (sarah.hallworth@bristol.ac.uk)

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2027

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I / J

Salary: Grade I £39,906 - £44,746 per annum; Grade J £43,482 - £50,253 per annum

The grade of the role offered will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience you bring to the position.

School/Unit: School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 18th January 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 5th February 2026.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents

ACAD108369 - Computational Mechanics for Wind Energy Composite Structures - JD.pdf

Faculty of Science & Engineering Further Particulars 2024-25.pdf

#J-18808-Ljbffr