Research Assistant/Associate x 2 (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for two 12-month Post-Doctoral Research Associate positions in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge.

These roles will use advanced characterisation techniques to make critical assessments of the residual stresses present in aerospace alloys. One post will focus on solid state titanium welds, and the other will explore additively manufactured superalloy structures.

The posts will be based at the Rolls-Royce UTC and will be supervised between Prof. NG Jones, Prof. HJ Stone and Dr DM Collins.

Both posts will aim to provide a more complete understanding of the stress states that exist following solid-state welding (in Ti-6Al-4V) or additive manufacturing (in Ni-base superalloys) and how the material relaxes during subsequent thermal treatments.

The work will involve thorough microstructural characterisation and in situ experiments at national radiation facilities. The outcomes will not only be critical to our industrial partners but will be used by other collaborators to help develop more accurate process models. As such, these projects will involve regular meetings with industrial and academic specialists and, therefore, will require the production and delivery of high-quality oral presentations.

Applicants must have achieved a good honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Metallurgy, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry) and have, or be about to complete, a PhD in Metallurgy or Materials Science.

In your application, please indicate whether you would like to be considered for (i) the Ti-alloy welding position, (ii) the Ni-base superalloy additive manufacturing position, or (iii) both roles.

To be suitable for one of the posts, applicants must have a sound knowledge of titanium (especially Ti-6Al-4V) or nickel superalloy metallurgy and, in particular, the structure-property relations in the alloys. Proven research experience and competence with electron microscopy, EBSD and diffraction techniques are also essential. Experience working at neutron or synchrotron radiation facilities and an understanding of residual stress analysis are also highly desirable.

Further, a demonstrable track record of excellent written and oral communication is required for this role, along with the ability to clearly and concisely convey results to audiences with varying technical expertise. In addition, it would be beneficial for applicants to have experience of working closely with industry.

These positions are available from 1st October 2024 and will be funded until 30th September 2025, in the first instance.

Applications to the role must be made through the University website.

Informal enquiries may be made by email to Prof. NG Jones ([email protected]) or Dr. DM Collins ([email protected]).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period-

Kindly be advised that we require a minimum of two references to be submitted by the applicants.

Please quote reference LJ42387 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

£29,605-£44,263

LJ42387

Research

5 July 2024

28 July 2024