Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Design and Manufacturing Processes for Advanced Sensing Systems for Security and Defence Applications

Contract: Full Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term (24 Months)

Closing date: Midnight on 16th February 2024

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.

Job Summary

The Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work on the project “Complete Additive Manufacturing of a Laser Chassis” which is part of the “Making Challenge” of the “Smart Products Made Smarter” (EPSRC funded EP/X025365/1) Prosperity Partnership between Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and Leonardo UK.

Detailed Description

This major project of the partnership is focused on the design, manufacture, and test of a future industrial laser chassis, utilising powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced laser-based manufacturing. The project is split into three areas: 1. Optical, mechanical, and thermal design of a compact and robust laser, exploiting the existing capabilities of additive manufacturing; 2. Testing and analysing new concepts on metal 3D printed parts; 3. Developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers and presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings.
• Contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision-making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models, and data analysis. 
• Assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators, assisting in the development of student research skills, and contributing to teaching in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering. 
• Be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools.

Essential Criteria 

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position). 
• Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. 
• Proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.

For all criteria, further details and how to apply: enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/3537/?utm_medium=jobshare

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk .