Research Associate in Dual Mode MEMS Sensing For Propulsion Applications

Loughborough University – Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full-time (37-hours per week); Fixed-term for 3-years starting 1st July 2026

Applications are invited for an employed Doctoral Candidate to be funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Learning Network for Decentralized critical Infrastructure Asset Monitoring and coNDition assessment (DIAMOND), a stimulating, high-level European Doctoral programme including 16 PhD students trained in several European countries (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101227338). You will be appointed for three years, during which time you will study for a fee free PhD.

Are you passionate about micro-sensors and propulsion systems? We are seeking a motivated and innovative scientist with a strong background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering, or physics. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to science by collaborating with leading experts from research and industry to advance critical infrastructure asset monitoring and condition assessment. If you are ready to push boundaries and help shape the future of self-powered sensing technologies, we encourage you to apply.

The successful applicant will work on the following objectives:

1. Modelling & design of a novel versatile MEMS sensor measuring dynamic torque & motion for automotive powertrains, via nonlinear dynamics accounting for variations in powertrain operating conditions.
2. Fabricating MEMS sensor into a device adapted to different powertrain configurations (electric/hybrid) including appropriate electrical circuits with a view to be adopted in autonomous (self-powered) sensing including power management, energy storage, data collection/storage and wireless transmission.
3. Testing & validating the developed MEMS system (including circuit) in lab setting via a powertrain rig with operating conditions similar to automotive propulsion.
4. Package the MEMS sensor device with a view to be used with an existing rotational vibration energy harvester or an alternative stream of power for autonomous sensing.

To be eligible, applicants must fulfil the MSCA basic requirements:

• At the time of appointment, the successful candidate must not have already obtained a PhD. Please note that candidates who already have a PhD are not eligible to apply.
• Additionally, candidates must not have resided in the UK for more than 12-months in the three years immediately before the appointment.
• The language of MSCA is English and candidates must have evidenced proficiency in English to meet Loughborough University requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/). Candidates must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training

Further details on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria can be found on the following link (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-enders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2021-2022/wp-2-%20msca-actions_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf).

In addition, it is preferable for the applicants to have:

• Electro-mechanical skills
• Excellent broader computing skills
• Preference to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative and inclusive environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English

This full-time post is offered on a fixed-term contract for 3-years. The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary in accordance with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) regulations for Doctoral Candidates, this includes a living allowance, mobility allowance, and a family allowance (if applicable). The position will fully fund a PhD for the period of employment (36-months).

This position and related financial contributions is subject to the commencement of the project and agreement signed.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Amal Hajjaj (a.a.hajjaj@lboro.ac.uk), Senior Lecturer in Electromechanical Systems and Dynamics, and Prof. Stephanos Theodossiades (s.theodossiades@lboro.ac.uk), Professor of Dynamics.

For more details, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Applications close on 04 February 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 those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
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.