Research Fellow (NDT and Condition Monitoring)

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Fixed Term Contract up to 31^st January 2026

Job Summary

The successful applicant will be a member of the NDT and Condition Monitoring Group working towards the delivery of novel autonomous marine robotic vehicles as part of the recently started Horizon Europe collaborative research MERLIN project. This will involve researching advanced Finite Element Analysis techniques for structural evaluation of sea surface, shallow and deep water components using appropriate software packages such as ABAQUS and advanced signal processing, including machine learning for data collected from various sensors. Research will also include mechanical properties characterisation of structural materials selected for building the critical structural components of the MERLIN AUVs.  The applicant will work in close collaboration with industrial and research partners participating in the project across Europe. This post focuses on addressing the structural simulation aspects of the project, together with the data analysis aspects for data collected from the sensors used in the project.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism (FEA modelling, simulation, and data analysis)
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students and tutoring within the School
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in materials, mechanical engineering or civil engineering, and normally, a higher degree (PhD or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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

An ideal candidate should have some or all of the following attributes: 

• Experience in finite element analysis and structural analysis
• CAD experience (Autocad or Solidworks) and Finite Element modelling (ABAQUS)
• Data analysis and signal processing (e.g. using MATLAB)
• Practical experience/knowledge of microstructural characterisation and mechanical testing

Informal enquiries to Professor Mayorkinos Papaelias, email: m.papaelias@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 4147842.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above or visit our careers website. Please quote Job Ref 104999 in all enquiries.  

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.                                      

Closing Date: 5^th January 2025

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