Research Fellow (COMPASsCO2)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2025

Background

The Materials for eXtremes (M4X - https://more.bham.ac.uk/M4X/) research group investigates new alloys for extreme environments from fusion/fission reactors, to aerospace gas turbines and concentrated solar power. This involves the design of fundamentally new alloys by computational methods; production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing; characterisation using advanced electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques; mechanical testing using macro/micro-mechanical methods and failure investigation; and environmental behaviour under oxidation/corrosion and irradiation damage.

Role Summary

A Research Fellow is sought within the EU H2020 ‘COMPASsCO2’ consortia: Components’ and Materials’ Performance for Advanced Solar Supercritical CO2 Powerplants - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/958418

The Knowles research group investigates new alloys for extreme environments including concentrated solar power, as well as aerospace gas turbines and nuclear fusion/fission reactors.

This involves:

1. Design of new alloys;
2. Production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing;
3. Characterisation using electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction;
4. Properties testing - Mechanically using macro/micro-mechanical methods and failure investigation, as well as Environmental oxidation/corrosion resistance.

The overall efficiency of concentrated solar power is thermodynamically linked to operating temperature. However, increasing the operating temperature puts increased demand on the materials employed. Recent work has demonstrated that bcc β Cr reinforced by β’ NiAl precipitates to give ‘Cr-superalloys’ offer advantages in terms of melting point, strength, abrasion and oxidation resistance, however, their balance of properties remains unoptimised.

The UoB Research Fellow will design and develop new Cr-superalloys optimised for supercritical CO2 concentrated solar power. Alloys will be produced, characterised and tested for balance of mechanical and environmental properties achieved, with an emphasis on advanced electron microscopy methods (e.g. SEM, FIB, TEM/STEM), in-situ deformation, and/or oxidation/corrosion.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Work within the specified research grant and projects
• Operate within areas of specialism – alloy development, characterisation and mechanical testing
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Person Specification

• First degree, in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree, or close to completion, relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications, e.g. Materials Science
• Expertise within the areas of specialism – alloy development for high temperature applications, advanced characterisation (e.g. electron microscopy & x-ray) and mechanical testing with a focus on mechanisms insight
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Alexander Knowles, email: a.j.knowles@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button, above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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