Research Associate / Senior Research Associate, Sustainable Composites Engineering, 3D Core/Trim

Salary:

Grade I: £37,999 - £43,878;

Grade J: £42,632 - £47,874 per annum

The role

We are inviting applications for the role of Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in Sustainable Composites Engineering (3D Core and Trim) to conduct research on three-dimensional core materials for sandwich composites and polymer trim materials for aircraft interiors. This research is part of a £7.57m project, “Eco-suite”, funded through the UK Government to mature and validate innovative materials and processes to underpin future wide-body aircraft interiors. The aim of the project is to address market concerns around weight, environmental impact, lead-time, and cost through the use of sustainable and lightweight materials, efficient manufacturing processes, and integration of digital technologies to develop a demonstrator.

This role will be based in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), which is the largest composites-focused UK university centre with 250+ academic staff and postgraduate researchers. The Institute delivers sustainable composites solutions using fundamental and applied scientific excellence for the benefit of society and the global community. The role will also involve interfacing with partners in the Eco-suite project, based in different locations around the UK, through online and in-person meetings.

What will you be doing?

Your role will involve working with the project’s investigators based at the University of Bristol and liaising with Safran Seats GB, the lead partner in the Eco-suite project. You will contribute to the 3D core and Ecotrim work packages, and you will work alongside another researcher who will focus on the Ecotrim and LCA work packages. In this role you will:

• Survey the literature to identify and down select suitable bio-based and/or recyclable core materials, based on their mechanical performance and sustainability credentials.
• Develop finite element models of sandwich composites and core materials to understand suitable representative load cases.
• Characterise and test polymer trim materials, sandwich composites, and core materials to understand their mechanical and physico-chemical performance.
• Develop novel test methods for formable honeycomb core materials.

You should apply if

• You have a good honours degree, postgraduate research degree, or doctoral level qualification in a relevant physical science or engineering subject.
• You have the ability to contribute ideas for projects delivering industrial or academic impact.
• You can work collaboratively and manage your own workload and research direction as appropriate.
• You have knowledge of sandwich composite materials and their mechanical performance.
• You have experience in computational modelling, for example CAD or with finite elements, of complex structures.
• You have experience in experimental testing of materials and structures.
• You have an interest in sustainable materials research.

Additional information

For informal queries please contact:

Dr Neha Chandarana, neha.chandarana@bristol.ac.uk

Dr Karthik Ram Ramakrishnan, karthik.ramakrishnan@bristol.ac.uk

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineeringincludesme.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/

Contract type: Open ended with Fixed funding until 31/05/2027

Interviews are expected to take place on 7th February 2025.

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