The project aims to develop a computational model for biodegradable polymers degrading in water under mechanical loads. The model will couple hydrolytic degradation, diffusion of water and degradation products, and inelastic deformations. The computational model will be used to guide the design of biodegradable devices in biomedical applications (stents, orthopaedic fixtures, scaffolds for tissue engineering). Your task will be to formulate a continuum theory for coupled deformation, mass transport and chemical reactions, along with constitutive models for glassy and semi-crystalline biodegradable polymers, building on recent works from the Brassart group. You will implement the models in a finite element software (Abaqus) via user subroutines and conduct numerical case studies to demonstrate the model capabilities. You will have the opportunity to be involved in undergraduate and graduate supervision and teaching, and to participate in collaborative research projects. The project could be extended for an additional two years, depending on funding availability and performance.

 

You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be near completion), with established expertise in Computational Mechanics, Constitutive Modelling, and the Finite Element Method.   

 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Laurence Brassart (email: Laurence.brassart@eng.ox.ac.uk).

 

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

 

Only online applications received before midday on the 7th January 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.