PDRA - Whispers of Time: Heritage as Narratives of Climate-Change

Working at Durham University  

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career.The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.  

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. 

Our Purpose and Values

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page

The Role and Department  

The Department of Engineering consistently stands as one of the foremost engineering departments in the UK, renowned for its exceptional performance in teaching, research, and the successful career paths of its students. Its impressive achievements include an 4th rank in the Complete University Guide 2025, 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 for Engineering in the UK. The Department also secured a position within the top six UK departments in the REF 2021 assessment, with an outstanding publication rating of 4* and 3*. The Department proudly holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, a testament to its dedication to promoting diversity amongst STEM academics, and fostering a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere. The individual taking up this position will become a part of the Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Research (GEER) Node within the Department of Engineering. The GEER node is a multidisciplinary research node consisting of staff dedicated to conducting specialized research focused on topics such as sustainable development, water resource management, flood warning, disaster management, rebuilding soil health, land remediation, air quality control, water treatment, and carbon capture and storage, for example.

We are looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate on an 11 month fixed-term project to join our team at the Department of Engineering, GEER node, to work on the WRENCH project, which has the twofold goal of (a) developing a transformative transdisciplinary methodology involving environmental sciences, engineering, and humanities to investigate the impact of climate change on material and immaterial heritage, and (b) employing heritage as storytelling tools to make the risks of climate change visible and enhance awareness.  WRENCH's transdisciplinary methodology will entail:

·         Applying advanced generation climate models to carry out data analysis related to climate change, including retrieving historical and future projections of necessary hydrometeorological variables (e.g., temperature, wind, relative humidity, temperature)

·         Investigating the effect of extreme environmental conditions on historical materials and structures by in-situ physical testing, development of rheological models accounting for them, and advanced structural modelling.

·         Assessing the effect of climate change on immaterial heritage by historical methodologies (archival research, oral history, audiovisual materials) and participatory research. The involvement of local communities will be vital in developing this task.

·         Developing a holistic framework for evaluating climate change on cultural heritage.

The successful candidate should show initiative and independent thinking, possess excellent communication and organisational skills, and have the ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team. The candidate should be a good communicator with a flexible attitude with an interest in data processing. The candidate will be supervised and mentored by Professor Osman and Dr Bartolomeo Panto.

Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant discipline (Civil or Structural Engineering) as well as expertise in computational mechanics, numerical modelling, coding, and experience of structural analysis of masonry materials. However, if you fit outside this expertise and feel you are a great candidate for the role please do apply.

The Role

The appointed researchers will contribute to investigating relevant case studies of cultural heritage masonry buildings, including numerical simulations and in-situ monitoring. They will engage with local stakeholders and dissemination activities (prepare and deliver seminars and workshops). Specifically, the appointed candidate will be responsible for performing non-destructive tests and materials, developing local and global numerical models based on digital surveys, and applying advanced model updating algorithms to calibrate the models based on in-situ vibration measurements.

Key responsibilities:

·         To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.

·         To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.

·         To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

·         To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

·         To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.

·         To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

·         To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

·         To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.

·         To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.

·         To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

·         To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.

·         To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

·         To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

·         To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   

Further information about the role responsibilities and the person specification is at the bottom of this job description.      

This post is full time fixed term for 11 months duration – the funding is available for this fixed period only.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1 April 2025.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year. 
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our Purpose and Values  and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1. A good first degree in Civil / Structural Engineering.

2. A PhD in Civil / Structural Engineering or a related subject.

Experience

3. Experience in conducting high quality academic research. 

4. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.

5. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national / international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

6. Experience performing laboratory tests on masonry materials, including tests on masonry units and structural elements.

7. Experience in numerical modelling approaches and structural analyses for masonry structures with emphasis on existing and historic masonry buildings.

8. Experience using advanced structural automatic tools, including commercial software and open-source research platforms (e.g., OpenSees).

Skills

 9. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

 10. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

 11. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

 12. Competence in code development using common tools, like MATLAB and Python, or more advanced languages like C++ or C#.

 13. Experience in computational mechanics methods (such as finite element, finite difference or discrete element).

Desirable Criteria:

Experience

1. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

2. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

3. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

4. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

5. Experience in optimisation algorithms and model updating.

Skills

6. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. 

7. Participation in relevant research projects involving academic and industry partners.

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
• Case studies, where available, to demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria     

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Professor Ashraf Osman (ashraf.osman@durham.ac.uk ).

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk  

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.  We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff in the Department followed by an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days around early March. 

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.