Research Associate in Computational Modelling of Composites

The role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research in the Composites University Technology Research Centre (UTC) of the University of Bristol, supported by Rolls-Royce plc. The Composites UTC core mission is to provide a validated analysis capability for the design of lightweight composite components for next-generation power systems, with applications involving civil aerospace, defence, marine and nuclear engineering. The Rolls-Royce UTC is a flagship industrial collaboration of the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), a cross-faculty research hub that involves 30 academics and more than 150 PhD and post-doctoral researchers, with state-of-the art manufacturing, characterisation and computational facilities. BCI is the largest and most successful composites institute in the world, with a research portfolio worth ~£50M.

What will you be doing?

The post holder will contribute to the development and validation of multi-scale finite-element analysis tools to predict the progressive damage evolution in composite materials, subject to a variety of loading regimes (i.e. quasi-static, fatigue and impact) and in presence of environmental effects, for example driven by temperature variation, moisture uptake and oxidation. This will entail working across the portfolio of research projects carried out by the Bristol UTC, with focus on assessing the performance and structural integrity of components in representative in-service environments. The post-holder is expected to regularly report the research progress to the UTC team and to Rolls-Royce plc, as well as publishing original research papers on high-impact-factor scientific journals.

You should apply if

Candidates are expected to have a deep knowledge of the mechanics of composites and a proven ability, at least at PhD level or working towards one, of advanced finite element analysis for commercial FEA packages (e.g. Abaqus Standard/Explicit, LS-Dyna), ideally with experience of modelling commonly used UTC technologies, such as textile reinforcements. Past involvement with industrially led research projects is also highly desirable. 

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/06/2025

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 27/06/2024

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 10/07/2024

For informal queries, please contact: Prof Stephen Hallett, [email protected]
+44 117 455 6259

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