Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description

Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum pro-rata as part-time

Edinburgh College of Art / Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

Part-time: 6.3 hours per week

Fixed-term: for 6 months (ideally from 1 st June 2026 to 31 st October 2026)

Join the University of Edinburgh and you’ll be making a difference to everything around you. Be part of something bigger — where you’ll do meaningful work, grow and progress, be rewarded and recognised, and benefit from our strong commitment to your wellbeing. There are so many reasons to join us.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students’ performance and wellbeing.

The Opportunity

This job is part of the project “Computational Layout Optimization of Structural Stone Assemblies”, which aims to develop a digital tool for automatically identifying optimal shapes and layouts of discrete stone blocks in structural assemblies (such as vaults, slabs, and shells). As a postdoctoral researcher you will be responsible for developing the optimization algorithms. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute not only to academic dissemination but also to the promotion of a digital tool aimed at commercialization in industry. It can open pathways toward start-ups and spin-offs, through which you could help shape the future of sustainable architecture, engineering, and construction sectors.

You are expected to have a background in structural or mechanical engineering or a related field, with a PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant area. The role requires knowledge of mathematical optimization, geometry (particularly as applied in architecture) and programming. Experience with Python and rigid block equilibrium analysis would be advantageous. A background or familiarity with architectural design is also desirable.

This is a part-time (0.18% FTE - 6.3 hours per week) and fixed-term (for 6 months) position and, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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How to apply

Please Include The Following Documents In Your Application

CV Cover letter

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

Leading-edge research

Cross University opportunities

Flexible/hybrid where the roles allow

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage female applications from female (women in STEM) candidates, as we acknowledge they are currently underrepresented in our research area.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages .

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 28 May 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held in June 2026.

About Us

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

About The Team

Edinburgh College of Art is a large and diverse school within the University of Edinburgh's College of Humanities and Social Science. It is comprised of the Schools of Art, Design, History of Art, Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the Reid School of Music.

Our mission is to promote world-leading critical enquiry across all these subject areas through scholarly research, teaching and creative practice.

Almost 3,000 students and 300 staff study and work at ECA and we enjoy strong relationships with museums, galleries, archives, practitioners and industry partners in Edinburgh, Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Edinburgh College of Art is committed to equal and fair treatment of all its employees and in recognition of the positive promotion of diversity and gender equality among staff and students, Athena SWAN granted the Edinburgh College of Art a Silver Award in 2023.