Research Fellow in Autonomous Rail Ultrasonic Inspections

School of Aerospace, Transport Systems and Manufacturing

Manufacturing/ Centre for Life-cycle Engineering and Management

Research Fellow (if PhD obtained or close to completion) or Research Assistant (MSc and nearing completion of PhD) in Autonomous Rail Ultrasonic Inspections

Fixed Term Contract for 18 months

Flexible working will be actively considered

Full time starting salary in the range of £33,809 per annum - £35,693 as Research Fellow or £27,241 - £28,763 as Research Assistant

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We welcome applications from those with relevant knowledge and experience to enable autonomous ultrasonics inspection demonstrations using state of the art unmanned ground vehicles and inspection equipment, at realistic rail test facilities.

About the Role

This role will mainly support the research programme “autonomous ultrasonics inspections” which is part of the CLEM’s railways research portfolio. This role will enable autonomy principles to be deployed in a research vehicle for demonstration of the state-of-the-art ultrasonic railways’ inspections. It will liaise and collaborate with current researchers in our team, as well as customers and suppliers to first design and construct autonomous inspection systems, and then to plan and execute experiments demonstrating autonomous inspections at a realistic railways test site.

About You

You will have a PhD (obtained or close to completion as Research Fellow, or MSc and nearing completion of PhD as Research Assistant) in a relevant subject and have experience of autonomous systems and/or non-destructive methods. With excellent communication skills, you will regularly liaise with other research colleagues and customers to ensure the project deliverables are met. You will also have a developing track record of publishing in high quality journals.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here .

Cranfield Manufacturing (which includes major activities in Materials) is following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for a Sustainable Manufacturing Sector for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors and through all tiers of the supply chain with SMEs as well as OEMs. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050. We offer world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training, and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach by bringing together design, materials’ technology, and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability. They also include work in composite manufacture, metallic glasses, nanomaterials (graphene, coatings, and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here .

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. Find out about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here . We are currently piloting hybrid working arrangements until April 2022. This means the majority of our staff are spending between 40% and 60% of their time working from the office where job roles allow.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Isidro Durazo-Cardenas, Lecturer in Through Life Engineering Services, on (E): [email protected]

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: [email protected] . Please quote reference number 3811.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 5 December 2021