Research Fellow - Bcc-superalloys: Engineering Resilience to Extreme Environments

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,348 to £42,155. With potential progression once in post to £44,737 a year. Grade 7.

Fixed Term Contract for 12 months

Closing date: 2 October 2022

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a range of activities within the Materials for Extremes research group .

The Materials for Extremes research group seeks to discover fundamentally new alloys for extreme environments across nuclear fusion/fission reactors, aerospace gas turbines and concentrated solar power. This involves: (1) Alloy Design, supported by computation methods; (2) Production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing; (3) Characterisation using advanced electron microscopy (SEM, EBSD, TEM), APT and x-ray diffraction methods; (4) Mechanical Testing and failure investigation, including macro-, micro- & in-situ testing, (5) Irradiation damage studies, using University of Birmingham’s proton/neutron facilities .

The postholder will work on “Bcc-superalloys” to achieve top scientific outputs (e.g. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2017.06.038 ,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2019.05.034 ) with a focus on developing novel alloys with improved ductility and irradiation damage resilience. They will be closely supported in their own development, for example: learning new scientific skills, making funding applications & Fellowships, supervision/teaching opportunities, training courses, conferences, collaborative networks & academic/industrial secondments - UK and internationally.

The postholder will work within the specified research project, operating within these areas of specialism: alloy design & development, characterisation, mechanical & irradiation testing. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results, contribute to generating funding and contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and public understanding of the discipline.

Qualifications and Experience

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree 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

For further information please contact Dr Sandy Knowles [email protected]  

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/48/?utm_medium=jobshare , please quote Job Ref 100323 in all enquiries. 

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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.