Research Associate in Tough Bioinspired Metamaterials

We are seeking an ambitious Research Associate to produce interlocking mechanical metamaterials using advanced additive manufacturing process to shape tough materials from any brittle composition. You will be working on an exciting project to develop new processing techniques for the fabrication of ceramics and ceramic-composites with controlled microstructures. The work will start from high resolution light-based additive manufacturing (HD...

Job listing information

• Reference ENG02450
• Date posted 11 January 2023
• Closing date 10 February 2023

Key information about the role

• Location South Kensington Campus - On site only
• Position type Full time, fixed term
• Salary £38,194 – £50,834 plus benefits
• Department Department of Materials
• Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking an ambitious Research Associate to produce interlocking mechanical metamaterials using advanced additive manufacturing process to shape tough materials from any brittle composition.

You will be working on an exciting project to develop new processing techniques for the fabrication of ceramics and ceramic-composites with controlled microstructures. The work will start from high resolution light-based additive manufacturing (HD DLP) of water-based suspension, go through the numerical design of interlocking microstructure, and finally use mechanical testing and fracture mechanics testing supported by high resolution optical imaging.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Research:

• To take the initiative in planning and conducting your own research with appropriate supervision

• To identify and develop suitable techniques for the collection/analysis of data and to ensure data validity and reliability at all times

• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings

• To develop research collaborations within the College and the wider community

• Contribute to the development of research proposals

Stakeholder communication:  

• To attend relevant workshops and conferences and present your findings to colleagues

• To write publications to high quality refereed journals

• To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College at all times

Group participation:

• To provide guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate research students

• To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars

• To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories by managing equipment and/or training colleagues

Essential requirements

Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD in materials science and engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Research Assistant: Near completion of a PhD (or equivalent) in materials science and engineering or a closely related discipline,
• Practical experience in designing water-based ceramic suspension or hydrogels
• Practical experience in mechanical and fracture testing
• Experience in using 3D data either from tomography or from CAD
• Experience in using structural Finite or Discrete Element Modelling
• Experience of presenting work at significant national or international conferences
• A track record of publishing high quality papers in peer reviewed journals or be in the process of meeting this criterion.
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Ability to develop and apply new concepts
• Creative approach to problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people at the appropriate technical level
• Ability to organise own workload with minimal supervision and prioritise tasks
• Computer software skills for research, including word-processing, microscope operation, data analysis and graphing
• Ability to direct the work of students in the research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be appointed initially at Research Associate (with a salary range of £38,194 to £41,388).

Further Information

For post enquiries please contact Dr. Florian Bouville: f.bouville@imperial.ac.uk

For enquiries about the recruitment process please contact Darakshan Khan; d.khan@imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying online, please contact: support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk