Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874. Grade: 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to October 2025

This project aims to further refine and promote the industrial adoption of laser drilling for producing perforated sheets and membranes, essential in hydrogen electrolysers and fuel cells. A primary focus of the project will be optimizing the use of nanosecond lasers, which offer a cost-effective alternative to femtosecond lasers. By leveraging nanosecond laser technology, the project aims to balance performance with affordability, making high-quality micro-drilling more accessible for industrial applications. The anticipated impact is substantial: these membranes are critical for harnessing hydrogen as a carbon-free energy source, offering significant environmental benefits. This project will enhance the technology’s readiness, progressing it to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Additionally, the project will explore the potential of nanosecond laser drilling for applications in other energy storage devices, such as solid-state batteries.

The position is based at the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering, with the post-holder expected to collaborate closely with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and its member companies.

Main Duties

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

• Designing, implementing and validating new micro structuring/drilling technologies for producing perforated sheets/membranes used in energy storage devices (i.e. hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells and solid state batteries).
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

Person Specification

• To hold a relevant first degree or masters in Mechanical, Materials or Manufacturing Engineering or related disciplines or equivalent experience.
• To hold a PhD or EngD in Mechanical, Materials or Manufacturing Engineering or related disciplines. 
• Post graduate practitioner experience in laser micro processing, hybrid manufacturing processes, inspection and characterisation methods, CAD/CAM tools and process modelling through either industrial or post-doctoral academic positions.
• Experience of supervision and management of research students and projects.
• High level analytical capability. 

Informal enquiries to Pavel Penchev, email: p.penchev@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.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
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.

Closes: 12^th January 2025

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