Postdoctoral Research Associate in Laser Processing of Additively Manufactured Parts

Contract: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)

Closing date: Friday 21^st February 2025

Detailed description

The Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work on developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts.

This is an integral aspect of the project “Complete Additive Manufacturing of a Laser Chassis” which is part of the “Making Challenge” of the “Smart Products Made Smarter” Prosperity Partnership between Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and Leonardo UK. spms.site.hw.ac.uk

This major project of the partnership is focused on the design, manufacture, and test of a future industrial laser chassis, utilising powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced laser-based manufacturing. The project is split into three areas: 1. Optical, mechanical, and thermal design of a compact and robust laser, exploiting the existing capabilities of additive manufacturing; 2. Testing and analysing new concepts on metal 3D printed parts; 3. Developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts. This last aspect is the core responsibility of the new PDRA post.

The project is in close collaboration with Leonardo engineers, and university colleagues, who will jointly execute some of the project tasks. The PDRA will liaise with metal AM suppliers and the University of Edinburgh project team responsible for AM process development.

The successful candidate will be required to rapidly embrace the body of knowledge vested in the research teams and will grasp the technical challenges of developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• We are looking for creative and highly motivated researchers willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. 
• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings, as well as national and international conferences, whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. 
• The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models and data analysis. 
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators; assisting in the development of student research skills, and contributing to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering. 
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools. 

Research Environment

They will work directly with Prof M J Daniel Esser (project lead), Dr Richard Carter and Prof Duncan Hand at Heriot-Watt University, the Leonardo engineers involved in the project, and Dr Sam Tammas-Williams and Prof Jonathan Corney from University of Edinburgh. They will also work with PhD students and the other PDRAs of the Prosperity Partnership. 

The PDRA will report on project progress and outcomes to the Prosperity Partnership Management Group, as well as participating in Knowledge Transfer Meetings and Workshops with a broad range of Leonardo personnel.   

Most of the project will be executed in the High-power Laser Applications Laboratories in the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, with some joint work also executed in the Laser Development Laboratories at Heriot-Watt, the Additive Manufacturing research facilities at University of Edinburgh, as well as on the manufacturing site at Leonardo UK, Edinburgh. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position). 
• Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. 
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility. 

• Experience with relevant laser-based materials processing.
• Demonstrating strong experimental skills. 
• Experience in contributing to the writing of scientific papers.
• Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal and commercially sensitive information.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

Desirable

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD covering several of these areas:  
• Laser-based materials processing with high power / ultra-short-pulse lasers. 
• Laser-based additive manufacturing. 
• Optical or Laser system design and development. 
• System engineering principles and processes. 
• Training in Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Modelling. 
• Training in Design for Additive Manufacturing. 

• Previous experience working in a laser applications research environment. 
• Demonstrating skills & experience in topics relevant to the project, including several of the following:  
• Laser-based polishing of AM parts (CW and ns-pulsed lasers)  
• Ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to structural components (ps- and fs-pulsed lasers) 
• Advanced utilisation of powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing. 
• Test methods of evaluating optical and mechanical parts subjected to thermal and environmental test conditions. 
• Laser system set-up and maintenance for laser-based materials processing. 

Demonstration of/proof of ability to;

• Lead authorship of experimental development reports/publications.
• Lead a project and maintain focus on the project aims.
• Implementation of rigorous engineering processes/scientific method.
• Exploit innovative technology concepts and emerging manufacturing technologies;
• Skills of working with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Skills of collaborating with senior and junior research team members.
• Establish a close working relationship with the main points of contact in the company.
• Leading the writing of scientific papers.

Nationality, Residency & Place of Work

This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working: Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh, and take part in face-to-face meetings & workshops with the collaborators of the project.

This appointment is in partnership with Leonardo and will require being able to demonstrate eligibility for UK Security Clearance.

For applicants outside the UK: you may require an ATAS certificate to do research in the UK. CAH3 code: CAH07-04-01 or CAH10-01-01.

About our Team

Heriot-Watt University is leading the development of high-power lasers, with potential applications in industrial material processing and defence. Also, Heriot-Watt is pioneering the development of laser-based manufacturing processes and applications and successfully transferring these to a wide range of industrial sectors.

The Laser Device Physics & Engineering group under the lead of Prof Esser drives the research and development of new laser sources in the near-infrared and mid-IR, demonstrating and exploiting new high-brightness diode laser technologies, novel solid-state laser crystals, and new manufacturing and assembly methods applied to laser system design and assembly.

The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group under the lead of Prof Hand and Dr Carter is part of the dynamic, multi-national Applied Optics and Photonics Group (AOP: www.aop.hw.ac.uk) at Heriot-Watt University. The HPLA group uses a wide range of laser sources (from CW through to ultra-short pulsed lasers) to address research challenges in laser-based manufacturing.

Leonardo is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the sensors and electronic systems which sit under the skin of the world’s most advanced aircraft, effectively acting as their brains, senses and nervous systems. Protecting pilots, alerting air crews to threats and providing unrivalled situational awareness, our world-class engineering and technology informs decision-making and helps ensure that those in harm’s way come home safely. The Edinburgh site is home to Leonardo’s world-leading laser capability, with their engineers meeting around 80% of the global demand for high-energy military lasers.

Travel

Local travel to technical and review meetings with our partners, the University of Edinburgh and Leonardo on their sites in Edinburgh. There may also be longer periods spent working at these other sites.

Annual national conference (2-3 days within the UK) and at least 1 international conference (~ 1 week) are also expected.

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

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