Research Associate in Modelling Ultrasonic Particle Manipulation Devices

The role

This role is part of an ERC Advanced Grant. The project aims to develop acoustic manipulation devices that will enable the microscope user to move, assemble and deform objects. This will be achieved using ultrasonic arrays to create static and dynamic forces can be applied to objects that are simultaneously under observation by an optical microscope. The ideas will be applied to a wide range of matter with a focus on applications in biomedicine including micro-scale tomography requiring precise 3D rotation of arbitrary-shaped objects, stimulation of neural cells requiring user-specified force-fields and bone-tissue engineering.

This role is to work on the modelling aspects of this project. This will involve (1) multi-physics simulations on the forces on objects in the acoustic devices and (2) optimising the acoustic fields to achieve efficient and targeted manipulation. The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration of researchers at the University of Bristol and researchers at the University of Lille, France, and the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. Hence, the role will require the applicant to be enthusiastic about collaborative research and willing to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

What will you be doing?

You will be based in the Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing (UNDT) research group within the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. Your research will focus on the modelling the forces on objects in acoustic manipulation devices. It will also involve optimising the acoustic fields to achieve efficient manipulation of biological objects such as cells and micro-organisms.

The University of Bristol offers a fully equipped ultrasonics laboratory, featuring multi-channel signal generators, amplifiers, and a wide range transducers and arrays. Additionally, a high-performance computer cluster is available at Bristol can be used to run large and parallel models. You will have full access to these facilities.

You should apply if

You should have a relevant postgraduate research degree, an equivalent professional qualification/experience, or be working towards one.

Additional information

For informal queries please contact:

Prof. Bruce Drinkwater - b.drinkwater@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 for 3 years

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 19th February 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on 3rd & 4th March 2025.

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