Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling of Lightweight Aerospace Structures

FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term (Ends May 2026)

Salary: UH7 £37,099 pa with potential to progress to £44,263pa by annual increments

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

Main duties and responsibilities

You will contribute to the evolution of an ongoing research programme on the numerical modelling of lightweight aerospace structures subjected to impact loading. The post requires expert knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas: development of numerical modelling tools; dynamic response (crashworthiness, impact loading) of lightweight structures (aerospace, automotive preferably); advanced modelling techniques such as multi-scale modelling or task-based parallelism; modelling of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, resin infusion, welding. Contribution to research publications and proposals, helping to manage and direct the project as opportunities allow. You may contribute to the further development of high speed impact test facility (birstrike, ice and debris impact) and may be given the opportunity to contribute to relevant teaching.     

You will be expected to undertake research within the scope of the project, establishing a programme of research activity working with collaboratively colleagues at UH and partner organisations. You will seek external funding, disseminating the outcomes of the project in publications, at conferences and other media. You will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engage with external stakeholders. 

Skill and experience required

You will require experience in software development for numerically solving solid mechanics problems and/or in application of advanced modelling techniques for lightweight structures or manufacturing processes.

You will require excellent computer skills such as simulations software use e.g. hydrocodes such as LS-Dyna, programming e.g. Fortran, C++, svn, CMake and data processing skills e.g. Matlab, Python.

Qualifications required

Undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and a PhD or close to completion of PhD or equivalent qualification, (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:

Dr Tom De Vuyst (t.de-vuyst@herts.ac.uk) – Reader in Aerospace Structures - Materials & Structures Research Group

Dr Antonios Kanellopoulos (a.kanellopoulos@herts.ac.uk) – Head of Civil Engineering & Built Environment – Head of Materials & Structures Research Group

Closing Date: 08 July 2024

Interview Date: TBC

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts 

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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