Research Fellow in Lightweight Structures

Organisation

Cranfield University

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

For 36 Months

Salary

Starting salary is normally £35,559 per annum

About the Role

This role is within the research group on Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures and will also build an independent portfolio of research within a prestigious EU project led by Rolls Royce Plc. The contribution will be primarily in the area of advanced aircraft structures. Specific responsibilities will be:

• Ensure the delivery of project goals. Research support for structures activities exploring lighter and more efficient engine and aircraft integration design including:
• Research methodology design
• Developing large-scale mechanical testing facilities  
• Planning in the design and manufacturing of test assets
• FEM/FEA and testing of A320 wing against static and dynamic loading conditions
• Investigating, data collection, analysis and validation of results
• Formal reporting and disseminating results via high-quality academic publications

About You

We are looking for an ambitious, talented and collaborative professional with a PhD in a relevant subject  to materials and structures who would be responsible for the development and delivery of research and high-quality research in one or more of:

• Design and analysis of structural test rig
• Mechanical testing of large-scale aircraft structures and sub-components
• Advanced FEM/FEA simulation for static and dynamic loads
• Aircraft structural optimisation analysis

Candidates with expertise in UK, EU and public sector funding are particularly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applicants with related industry experience who would like to develop a career in academia.

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 .

The Aerospace theme offers world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. The Centre for Aeronautics here is internationally renowned for research and education in Aerospace Vehicle Design and Analysis, Aerospace Flight Dynamics and Control, Aerodynamics, Advanced Engineering Methods, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures. You will be located in the Advanced Lightweight Structures Group within the Centre for Aeronautics.

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.

How to apply                                   

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Hessam Ghasemnejad, on (T) +44 (0)1234 758225, or (E); [email protected]  and Professor Martin Skote, on (T) +44 (0)1234 758225, or (E); [email protected]

Apply online now . Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: [email protected] . Please quote reference number 4426

This role may require you to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance.