Research Fellow (fixed term until 31st May 2026)
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.
We are now looking for a Research Fellow (fixed term until 31st May 2026) to join a dynamic research programme that rethinks how container supply chains (CSCs) are studied in the context of risk, resilience, and sustainability, as part of a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) initiative.
Under the supervision of the principal investigator and in collaboration with academic and industry leaders, the role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a next-generation theoretical framework that will drive strategic improvements across CSCs.
This research seeks to systematically explore the shared foundations of existing models related to risk, resilience, and sustainability in CSCs, and to translate these insights into a novel analytical framework. The resulting tools and methodologies will inform evidence-based policymaking and support a safer, more resilient global maritime logistics network.
Key responsibilities include: 1) Designing and refining advanced methods for maritime accident analysis and risk-informed decision-making; 2) Building predictive models using integrated maritime big data sources; and 3) Developing and validating a resilience assessment and control framework for maritime systems. By combining rigorous theoretical development with practical data-driven model validation, the fellow will contribute to innovative solutions that address critical challenges in maritime transport and supply chain resilience.
You will assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of the project, manage research resources, and contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications and presentations at project meetings and relevant conferences.
You should possess a good honours degree and a PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in Maritime transportation or Transportation Engineering relevant field. A solid background in maritime accident analysis, risk management, and resilience modelling of maritime systems is essential. You must demonstrate your research capabilities and ability to disseminate findings through high-quality publications in international journals and refereed conferences. Experience with research projects related to maritime shipping routes risk analysis, assessment, and management is preferred.
The post is financially supported by the ERC (https://erc.europa.eu/) and the successful applicant will work with a team of 11 postdoctoral/doctoral researchers in this ERC project on container transport risk, resilience, and sustainability analysis within the Liverpool Logistics Offshore and Marine Research Institute (LOOM) at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. LOOM enjoys an international research reputation on maritime risk studies, https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/centres-and-institutes/loom.
In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.
This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do. Find out more about working at LJMU here.
If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.
The School/ department is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter for promoting the career of Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in higher education. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post and all appointments will be made on merit.
Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.