Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 12912

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus 

Research Assistant: from £35,490 to £37,488 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £38,532 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution. 

Research Fellow: from £39,607 to £44,240 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £46,771 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution. 

Contract Type: Fixed-term until 31st  January 2025

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home       

BCAST is a speciality research centre focusing on solidification related research with an international reputation. Our research covers fundamental research, technological development and industrial applications in the field of solidification and materials processing. See www.brunel.ac.uk/bcast  for more information. The Advanced Metal Casting and Advanced Metal Processing Centres are new on-site state-of-the-art scale-up facilities that bridge the gap between fundamental research and full-scale industrial production/manufacturing.

The FLAMINGo Project is an EU Horizon 2020 project that involves 10 partners (including Constellium and Alke) located throughout Europe. The successful applicant will join Dr Brian McKay and other internationally recognised researchersat BCAST and will work on the development of DC cast aluminium nanocomposites. This project is focused on developing aluminium metal matrix nanocomposites (Al-MMnCs) with elevated strength, stiffness, and other physical properties, compared to current Al alloys used in the automotive industry. The project will also provide engineering solutions to substitute steel components in electric vehicle (EV) automotive parts in order to achieve weight reductions. The properties of Al can be significantly changed with the selective addition of nano-reinforcements which will be explored in further detail. The associated work will involve the optimization of the DC casting process, and evaluation of properties and microstructure examinations of the resultant Al-MMnCs castings and extrusions.

The successful candidate should be working towards completing or already have completed a PhD degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy and Materials Characterisation, or a related field of science or engineering discipline, and should have a sound background in physical metallurgy. Research experience in the processing of metallic materials, and skills in microstructural characterisation using various microscopy techniques and a working knowledge of mechanical testing of metallic materials are essential. The project requires you to produce written reports, independently critically appraise data and orally present results. You should have an inquisitive mind and a keen desire to learn more about the topic.

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Brian McKay ([email protected] ).

Closing date for applications: 16 February 2024

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: [email protected]

Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to promote and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.