Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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: For 18 months
Salary: Research Fellow: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,337 to £40,347 per annum; Research Assistant: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,203 to £32,039 per annum
Apply by: 13/10/2024

Role Description

We welcome applications from those interested in this exciting post with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out research work in the development, manufacturing and design of composites for space applications.

About the Role

You will focus on the development and delivery of composites manufacturing technologies for the space industry. The primary aim is to expand and optimise the design and characteristics of space-based carbon fibre optical reflective mirrors, whilst also addressing the development of additive processing of continuous fibre composites. The role involves collaboration with the industry, participating in joint developments and translating the results of the research to manufacturing and simulation technologies addressing the needs of end users. You will work closely with external partners, as well as colleagues within the Composites and Advanced Materials Centre, the Surface Engineering and Precision Centre and the Space Research Group at Cranfield, and you will directly report the research results to project partners and prepare and deliver dissemination outputs in the form of journal publications and presentations at international conferences.

About You

You will have knowledge and experience in the areas of composites and finite element analysis. Experience in composites manufacturing and process simulation as well as exposure to testing of composite components and application of structures to space would be advantageous but not essential. Ability to communicate effectively at a technical level, and the capability to clearly summarise achievements to brief colleagues and project partners is also essential. As Research Assistant, you must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar field. As Research Fellow, you must hold or be close to completion of a PhD or have equivalent experience in Materials, Manufacturing, Composites or similar field. A developing track record of publishing in high quality journals is also expected as a Research Fellow.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Cranfield Manufacturing and Materials has been following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Sectors 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 and 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, carbon nanotubes, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

Find out more about our work here.

Our Values and Commitments

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply                                   

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Alex Skordos, Reader in Composites Process Science, on (T): +44 (0) 1234 754527 or (E): a.a.skordos@cranfield.ac.uk.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 4923.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 13 October 2024