Overview
Job Title: RA in Development of Water-Based Lubricants for Electric Vehicles
Job Reference: REQ260064
Date Posted: Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT
Application Closing Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT
Location: Loughborough
Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608 to £42,254, subject to annual pay award.
Wolfson School of Mechanical Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full Time, Fixed Term for 30 months, on campus only
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
We are looking for post-doctoral researcher to join our team, working on novel water-based lubricants for electric vehicle application. The research is part of a larger team, comprising researchers from Loughborough University, The University of Sheffield and Imperial College London and several industrial partners.
The role involves conducting experimental and numerical research on the tribological performance of water-based lubricants including, friction, cooling, wear protection and tribo-dynamics. It also involves surface/material/chemical analysis, as well as material formulation.
The candidate should be willing to learn new methods when required, and develop novel approaches to deliver the objectives of this project. They should have a strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, communicating and working with a number of researcher and industrial colleagues in the wider team.
The role involves travelling to the other partner universities and industries involved, some times for an extended period of time. It also requires providing support to newer and less senior members of the team as and when it happens.
Key Requirements:
- You’ll have a PhD (or close to completion) in mechanical or material engineering, physics or chemistry or similar subjects
- Track record of high-impact publications
- Work to tight deadlines
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Mahdi Mohammadpour, via email to m.mohammad-pour@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 227659
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Closing Date: 5 March 2026
Interview Date: 15 March 2026
Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies
Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support
Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Loughborough University is committed to achieving equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
