Research Associate/Fellow in Additive Manufacturing of Multi-Metallic Structures based on Refractories (Fixed term)

Location: Jubilee Campus

Applications are invited for the above post within the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM) in the Faculity of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The Faculty of Engineering has an excellent international reputation for high quality theoretical and experimental research. The faculty is also dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion; it was the first engineering department in the UK to be awarded an Athena Swan Gold award for advancing gender equality in higher education. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of multi-metal additive manufacturing (AM) by working closely with industry and academia to design and fabricate 3D tungsten-copper structures that strike a trade-off between radiation hardness and thermal dissipation. The overall research objective is therefore the AM of defect-free refractory metals that interface with heat sinks made of conductive materials (i.e. copper alloys). 

The role holder will conduct internationally leading research on laser powder bed fusion, the most prominent metal AM technique, making use of a state-of-the-art 3D printing platform featuring a novel Schaeffler-Aerosint powder selection deposition recoater and a multi-laser beam heat delivery.

The successful applicant will work with an established team of laser powder bed fusion researchers within CfAM. This position offers the opportunity for close collaboration with national and international researchers as well with industrial partners (such as UKAEA, Rolls Royce and The MTC).

Candidates must have demonstrable experience in metallurgy and thermo-mechanical characterisation of refractory metals (W or Nb, Ta, Mo, V), or materials for nuclear applications. Demonstrable experience in advanced processing of refractories (joining or fabrication methods) is desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of laser processing (experienced in laser powder bed fusion of single or multi-material is desirable but not essential).

Candidates must have experience in the use of programming software (e.g. Matlab, Python,etc.) for both data-processing and experience in numerical methods for modelling the thermo-mechanical behaviour of such structural metals (preferably in the nuclear fusion context).

Candidates are expected to hold (or be studying towards) a PhD in Materials/Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (e.g. physical sciences), ideally closely related to advanced processing of refractories or nuclear materials.   

Candidates will need to be able to undertake high-quality research and carry out communication and knowledge disseminations activities (which include writing reports writing journal publications, presenting at conferences, and attending networking events) with minimal supervision.

This post is available for 18 months from start date of September 2^nd, 2024. Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

To understand more about our application process and how to complete a criteria-based application form please visit the University of Nottingham Candidate Guidance. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to to Dr. Marco Simonelli marco.simonelli@nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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