Materials KE Associate (694406)

FTE: 1 

Term: Fixed (12 months)

The AFRC is seeking to appoint an experienced Materials Knowledge Exchange (KE) Associate or Assistant (depending on experience) to support the delivery of high value research programmes focused on materials, processing of materials related to solid state joining & additive technologies, and manufacturing. Recently the Centre has invested significantly in novel forging, solid state joining, advanced materials characterisations and mechanical testing equipment suitable for large scale investigations and continues to develop a multi-disciplinary group that specialises in this area of additive and welding technologies.

To further capitalise on this research activity and materialise AFRC’s vision and agenda around processing of materials and Industry 4.0, a Materials KE Associate is required support the delivery of scientific research programmes and lead projects on processing of existing and new alloys, microstructure control and materials/microstructure modelling. Though the primary focus will be on aerospace materials, there is also a significant interest and body of work on materials for the Automotive, Oil & Gas, Energy and Defence sectors. The candidate will also be expected to support and contribute to high value industrial funding proposals in support of a range of projects across the Centre. The post holder will be expected to work between the AFRC and its industrial and academic partners and there will be a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange.

To achieve the above the KE will preferably require some research and/or industrial experience in the following technical areas:

• A broad knowledge of metallic materials and alloys, especially those relevant to the aerospace sector (e.g. Nickel based superalloys, Titanium alloys and Aluminium alloys)
• A broad knowledge of additive and/or joining technologies
• A good basic knowledge of materials and the way that manufacturing processes can develop or modify material’s microstructure and their impact on mechanical properties.
• Hands-on experience with techniques of materials characterization and analysis of data, e.g. SEM, EBSD, optical microscopy
• Hands-on experience on mechanical testing for a range of conditions, i.e. low to high strain rate, room to high temperature, bulk vs sheet material and development of material models
• The use of finite element-based software (e.g. ABAQUS, DEFORM) for process simulation and materials modelling

Thus, you will have an established track record in providing engineering solutions in an industrial context as well as experience of supporting research and development of manufacturing processes. You will have excellent troubleshooting skills, including a methodical approach to solve complex problems and you will have the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

To be considered for the role, you will have a good honours degree and PhD / higher degree (or equivalent professional experience) in appropriate discipline. You will have sufficient knowledge in the relevant disciplines to contribute to knowledge exchange programmes and to the development of knowledge exchange activities. You will have the ability to conduct individual knowledge exchange projects, work directly and independently with clients, and to prepare new knowledge exchange proposals.

Though not essential, applications are welcomed from candidates with: membership/working towards membership of a relevant Chartered/professional body (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities.

Whilst we seek to appoint at Grade 7, KE Associate level, candidates with less experience may also be considered for appointment. Dependent of the skills and experience of the candidate, appointment to Grade 6, KE Assistant.

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