Research Fellow in Carbon Nanotube Synthesis (C-WIRE)

School/Department: School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.
Contract type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period: Until 31 May 2025 with possible extension for another 2 years until 31 May 2027 subject to sponsor approval.
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £35,559 to £37,443 per annum.
Apply by: 19/05/2023
Documents: 4502 - JD & Person Spec.pdf(PDF, 430.74kb)

Role Description

About the Role

The research will be primarily experimental with the aim to develop highly conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) based electric wires. The project is interdisciplinary, developing knowledge around catalyst chemistry, process thermodynamics and materials science.

The project will be using the most advanced floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes with absolute structural control and ability of making carbon nanotube yarns and wires. This project will focus on the formulation of the wire and electrical characterisation.

The floating catalyst CVD method is using nanosized catalyst particles for seeding nanotubes in a high temperature gas environment containing carbon precursors. The control over the size of the catalyst particles, the decomposition of carbon precursors and process thermodynamics is critical to achieve the ultimate molecular control over the individual nanotubes to selectively make the most conductive metallic nanotube. During this project there will be an opportunity to make an impact on the process parameters to influence the formation of carbon nanotubes with the collection abilities of the pure carbon nanotube yarns at the rates in excess of 20 meters per minute.

About You

You are expected to hold a PhD degree (or close to completion) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science and have experience of management research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise related to carbon nanotubes, a developing track record of publishing in high quality journals and proven problem-solving skills.

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 and Materials has been following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Sectors 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 and 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, nano-materials (graphene, carbon nanotubes, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).

Find out more about our work here

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families . Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here .

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Krzysztof Koziol, Professor of Composites Engineering and Head of Enhanced Composites and Structures Centre on (E): [email protected]

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: [email protected] . Please quote reference number 4502.