Research Assistant/Associate in High Temperature Superconductors (Fixed Term)

A Research Assistant/Associate is sought to work on a 3-year EPSRC project, Towards Compact and Efficient Nuclear Reactors. This project seeks to develop low loss tapes suitable for use in tokomaks.

The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The role of the RA in the project is to help develop the PSALM low loss tape system. The project will address numerous unexplored challenges in creating tapes suitable for use in fusion reactors at high currents and under AC conditions. The culmination of the project will be a fully developed low loss tape. Broadly, the RA will develop the tape patterning techniques necessary for the successful creation of PSALM.

There is some flexibility in the aspects of the project that the candidate will contribute to, but duties will likely include the following: Creation of Engineering drawings of magnet and support structure; Modelling of the behaviour of high temperature superconductors; Modifications to experimental test rigs for characterising tapes; Measuring the electromagnetic properties of both conventional and superconducting materials; Assessing and measuring losses and identifying appropriate control strategies; developing techniques for patterning of tapes into a roebel type structure. Training can be given in certain areas.

Applicants must have obtained or be close to obtaining a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or Material Science.

Experience is preferred in three or more of the following topics gained during PhD or postdoctoral work:

• Applications of HTS tape
• Experience with Autodesk or similar CAD systems
• FEM multiphysics modelling of electromagnetism (ideally in COMSOL Multiphysics and including superconductors)
• Design and construction of mechanical systems
• Cryogenic engineering

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £32,296 - £34,866, Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 29 months or until 30th June 2027 whichever is the sooner in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) which should include a list of relevant publications and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Prof Tim Coombs tac1000@cam.ac.uk for technical queries or for the application process, contact: Sue Murkett, Electrical Engineering Div-administrator email sm330@cam.ac.uk (Tel +44 01223 760304.

Please quote reference NM44458 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.

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