Research Fellow

Hours: Part Time (15 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2026

Background

The School of Metallurgy and Materials invites applications for a Research Fellow to undertake blue skies research into the design and development of novel optical fibre sensors for chemical process monitoring and structural integrity assessment. We wish to recruit a self-motivated, entrepreneurial and competent experimentalist to generate proof-of-concept data and ideas for the creation of novel multi-functional optical fibre sensors for optical/electrical sensing applications. Typical examples of publications emanating from curiosity driven research include technologies such as monitoring the glass transition temperature¹, photo-actuating polymers², multi-measurand sensor³, spectral, thermal and physical analyses of thermosets⁴, micromachined sensors⁵, optical fibre acoustic emission sensor⁶ and monitoring prestressed composites⁷. 

The successful applicant will have direct access to a range of custom-designed equipment to manufacture a range of optical fibre sensors. The School is also equipped with excellent facilities for the processing and characterising materials. 

• ¹https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2025.108706
• ²https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2006.08.066
• ³http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2015.01.085
• ⁴https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2022.114101
• ⁵https://doi.org/10.1364/OSAC.414955
• ⁶A novel ultrasound fibre optic sensor based on a fused-tapered optical fibre coupler - IOPscience
• ⁷https://doi.org/10.3390/s16060777

Main Duties

• Develop and execute research objectives in partnership with the Principal Investigator.
• Consider appropriate experimental designs and execution of experiments.
• Generate proof-of-concept data from the experiments.
• Analyse and interpret the original research data generated.
• Disseminate research findings in refereed journal publications and research seminars in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Undertake relevant management/administration arising from the research.
• Develop research objectives and contribute to proposal writing in partnership with the Principal Investigator.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new optical fibre sensors, sensing methods and techniques.
• Contribute to the Group research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Assume responsibility for laboratory safety and the compilation of appropriate safety paperwork.

Person Specification

• Hold a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in a science or engineering discipline relevant to the project, or equivalent qualifications.
• Hold a PhD (or near to completion) in an area relevant to materials science or physics.
• Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in: optical fibre sensors; modelling of sensor configurations for optical sensing; custom-modification of equipment for manufacturing optical fibre sensors; and the evaluation of sensors.
• Prior experience in characterising optical fibre sensors using a range of analytical techniques and interrogation equipment.
• Demonstrably high level of analytical capability, ability to communicate complex information clearly and work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Understanding of Health and Safety protocols and safe working practices in laboratories.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Gerard Fernando, email: g.fernando@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 4148244

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.

Advert information