At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Supercast project, focusing on advanced aluminium alloys and fibre-reinforced technology.
- Company: Brunel University London, a leader in materials science and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, excellent training, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research and development of advanced materials.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in materials science, with strong experimental research skills.
Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) is seeking a Research Assistant (or Research Fellow) to work on the Supercast project funded through the ATI‑SME scheme. The role focuses on the adaptation of continuous fibre‑reinforced aluminium alloys and involves close collaboration with TISICS, a world‑leading supplier of fibre‑reinforced metal matrix (MMC) technology.
Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus
Contract: 18 months, full‑time, Grade R1 salary
Salary (Research Assistant): £36,640 – £38,638 per annum (London weighting, with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum).
Salary (Research Fellow): £40,757 – £45,390 per annum (London weighting, with potential to progress to £52,067 per annum).
Responsibilities
- Develop a detailed understanding of alloying additions, fibre surface structure, processing conditions that contribute to a good interface between the alumina fibres and the aluminium melt to determine optimum conditions for producing Al‑MMCs with full infiltration of alumina fibres.
- Successfully cast Al‑MMCs with full infiltration of alumina fibres in large coupons that allow mechanical characterisations.
- Mechanical testing to determine the property profiles to showcase performance of the Al‑MMCs.
- Cast solid parts that are flat plates, simple profiles or simple components of Al‑MMCs with continuous fibres.
Qualifications
- The successful candidate should have a PhD degree or equivalent in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry or another related scientific or engineering discipline, or be very close to the completion of a PhD; and should have a strong background in experimental research.
- Prior expertise in alloy development and advanced materials characterisation is an advantage.
- Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are required.
Benefits
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.
Contact
If you have any informal enquiries please contact Dr Chamini Mendis in BCAST (Chamini.mendis@brunel.ac.uk).
Additional Information
Closing date for applications: 24 July 2026. Interviews will take place on: 10 August.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
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.
Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 16914 in Uxbridge employer: Brunel Law School
Brunel University London offers an exceptional work environment for research professionals, particularly within the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST). With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees benefit from generous annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Located in Uxbridge, the university promotes a hybrid working approach, ensuring a balanced and supportive workplace for all staff.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 16914 in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Brunel Law School. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Brunel Law School. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brunel Law School
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In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Brunel Law School. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
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In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Brunel Law School to drive research projects forward.
