Research Assistant

This is an opportunity to join the Engineering Design team in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The post is available for the EPSRC funded research project Dealing with Evolving Constraints in Design Systems (DECIDE) for Net Zero (see gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP/X041719/1). The project is an exciting programme of research exploring new methods in the design of future aircraft structures with the aim of creating capability to reduce the weight of structures sufficiently to enable net zero flight as soon as possible.

The post requires experience and skills in the stress analysis and structural design of aircraft structures and will explore novel structural architectures from component level to full vehicle level. It offers opportunity to develop highly advanced level of skill in AI methods, CAD Geometry, python programme and aircraft structural design.

The Research Fellow will join a vibrant network of collaborators both in this project and the associated RIED (Re-Imagining Engineering Design) programme. They will assist in the development of research proposals and the planning and delivery of the research activity specifically to investigate new ways of dealing with constraints in a design.

The project is supported by Rolls-Royce, Spirit Aerosystems, the National Composites Centre (NCC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

The post is a critical role, and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, supervision, planning, outreach and collaboration both internally and externally.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and you should clearly demonstrate this in your CV/Cover letter:

• 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Relevant research and associated experience to include:
  • Undertaking research in the area of stress analysis, structural analysis and design of aircraft structures or relevant industrial experience in similar.
  • Experience in CAD systems
  • Experience in software development.
• Demonstrate having recent relevant experience in a relevent industrial post.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 4.5 years or until 30/09/29 (whichever is soonest). Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-andbenefits

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

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