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 actively considered
Contract type Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period 30 months
Salary £33,309 per annum
Apply by 23/05/2021

Role Description

Research Fellow in Additive Manufacturing (3 Posts):
2 x Multi-Fun project
1 x NEWAM project

Cranfield University’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Cranfield Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre (WELPC) welcomes applications from talented individuals to take up three newly created Research Fellow posts, working on exciting collaborative research projects. One of these posts requires the necessary knowledge and skills to support the development of new AM processes based on Multi-Energy Sources, with arc and lasers. The remaining two will support the development of deposition parameters and strategies to deposit a large 3D printed mould for CFRP production and a small stainless-steel housing for space application, using arc based and laser based additive manufacturing processes.  

These opportunities will enable you to contribute to the next generation of wire based additive manufacturing which is already having a significant impact in both academia and industry.

About the School & Manufacturing Theme

Cranfield Manufacturing (which includes major activities in Materials) is following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for a Sustainable Manufacturing Sector for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors and through all tiers of the supply chain with SMEs as well as OEMs. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050.

We offer 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 additive manufacturing.

About the Role

The NEWAM (New Wire Additive Manufacturing) project is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research programme with three other UK Universities (learn more about the research programme here). The programme covers seven research areas: process development and modelling, material development and modelling, material performance, non-destructive testing and process monitoring.  The main goal will be to develop AM processes that can achieve high deposition rate, net shape and produce defect free parts with a microstructure that meets the load/fatigue performance required for the final application. 

The Multi-Fun project is a European project funded by the Horizon 2020 research and innovation grant and is a collaborative project with 21 different partners from 8 different countries. Learn more about the project here.

The outputs from research should provide novel insights to be published in leading academic journals and the roles will involve supporting MSc and PhD students within the centre.  Excellent interpersonal skills will be necessary as you will also be liaising regularly with work colleagues and academic partners, with responsibilities for project planning and problem-solving key parts of these roles.

About You

You will hold a PhD (or close to completion) and experience in one of the following topics: Advanced Welding Processes, Additive Manufacturing and Process, Material Science or related area.  In terms of your experience, you will be able to demonstrate relevant achievements within process development & material characterization, ideally in wire-based metal additive manufacturing, laser processing or advanced welding processes.  Knowledge of material properties, processing or process science is essential, and a good understanding of Arc or laser based additive manufacturing desirable.

In return, you will have exciting opportunities for career development in these key positions, and to be at the forefront ofworld leading research and education, joining a supportive team and environment.

Our Values

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential.

Diversity and Inclusion

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.

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.

Flexible Working

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.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about these opportunities, please contact Dr Sonia Meco, Senior Research Fellow and Project Manager on S.A.Martinsmeco@cranfield.ac.uk or Goncalo Pardal, Senior Research Fellow in Additive Manufacture on G.Pardal@cranfield.ac.uk

Alternatively, apply online now. If you have any questions or queries regarding the process, please contact on M.Carlyle@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 3595.