School/Department School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
Based at Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period 3 years
Salary £33,309 per annum
Apply by 03/05/2020

Role Description

We welcome applications from those interested in this exciting Research Fellow post (part of an EPSRC Future Composites Manufacturing Research Hub (CIMCOMP) project), with the necessary knowledge & skills to carry out research work in the development and simulation of composites processing with a particular focus on curing.

As the UK’s only exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally.  Our distinctive expertise is in our deep understanding of technology and management and how these work together to benefit the world.

Our people are our most valuable resource and everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our university, developing our learners, and transforming the businesses we work with. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here. Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

Cranfield Manufacturing is one of the eight themes at Cranfield University offering world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach by bringing together design, materials’ technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.  They also include work in composite manufacture, metallic glasses, nano-materials (graphene, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

This is a project in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Airbus, the National Composites Centre, Heraeus Noblelight, the University of Bristol and the University of Nantes.  The focus is on the development of a new composites manufacturing method called Layer By Layer curing and the post holder will carry out research on the new process, its design, application and simulation.  We are interested in hearing from you if you have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, including using finite element analysis, characterisation of material behaviour through thermal analysis techniques, design of physical elements implementing the Layer by Layer curing process and pilot scale manufacturing trials utilised to assess and validate these developments.  You must also have a PhD (or are close to completion) in Materials, Manufacturing or Composites (or a similar field).

In addition to research & simulation activities, the successful applicant will work closely with project partners, present the outcomes of their research in project meetings and prepare deliverable reports and journal publications.  In return, the successful applicant will have exciting opportunities for career development in this key position, and to be at the forefront of world leading research and education, joining a supportive team and environment.

At Cranfield we value Diversity and Inclusion, and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential. To further demonstrate our commitment to progressing gender diversity in STEM, we are members of WES & Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day.

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring have shown that that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.  We actively consider flexible working options such as part-time, compressed or flexible hours and/or an element of homeworking, and commit to exploring the possibilities for each role. Find out more here.

For an informal discussion, please contact Alex Skordos, Senior Lecturer in Composites Process Science on (T): +44 (0)1234 750111 Ext. 2811 or (E): a.a.skordos@cranfield.ac.uk