At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative methodologies for characterising composite materials in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the University of Bristol Composites Institute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaboration with top universities, and exposure to industry partners.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen aerospace technology while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: Experience with composite materials and manufacturing processes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 43150 £ per year.
We are seeking two talented postdoctoral researchers to work on a range of exciting projects involving large consortiums of industrial and academic partners. This highly unique and innovative research environment aims to develop manufacturing technologies for next-generation aerospace composites. The successful candidates will be responsible for the experimental characterisation of fibre-reinforced composite materials through the key stages of manufacturing: lay-up, forming, infusion, and curing. A range of conventional and non-conventional metrology methodologies will be explored. The research will investigate how material architecture and processing conditions influence the resulting quality of the composites. Expected outputs are novel characterisation workflows that are critical to advancing understanding of defect generation mechanisms arising from both material architecture and manufacturing processes.
The postholders will work alongside other researchers at the University of Bristol Composites Institute and the Ultrasonic and Non-Destructive Testing research groups and will contribute to an exciting Aerospace Technology Institute project and EPSRC research programme in collaboration with the universities of Manchester, Warwick, Strathclyde and Newcastle. More than 25 industrial partners are involved in the projects. The role will have opportunities to bring perspectives from both composites and non-destructive testing, and the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners. Please note these are full-time roles and part-time won't be considered.
What will you be doing?
- Design of novel experimental material characterisation methodologies
- Undertaking laboratory tests for generation of data-rich experimental results
- Analysis and post-processing of experimental results for use in database development
- Dissemination of results via conferences and industrial partner interaction
- Technology transfer and support to industrial users of methods developed
- Writing papers in both high impact and specialised journals
- Collaboration with colleagues, especially regarding experimental results
You should apply if
Essential
- Knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience in designing novel prototypes to investigate the deformation and defect mechanisms of different fibre-reinforced material types during manufacturing
- Experience developing material characterisation techniques to describe the constituents and architecture of fibre-reinforced preforms during manufacturing
- Proficiency in describing defects from measurement system data
- Familiarity with computer software for the control of defects or analysis of defects
- Ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision
Desirable
- Experience in industrial or collaborative research projects
- Familiarity with database structures required for analysis of test data
Additional information
- Contract type: Fixed-term contract: 01/09/26 to 31/12/26
- Work pattern: Full time/1 FTE
- This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 23/08/2026
- The interviews are anticipated to take place on 07/09/26
- For informal queries please contact: Dr James Kratz (Associate Professor in Composites Processing), james.kratz@bristol.ac.uk
Research Associate in Composites Processing in Bristol employer: Economics Network
The University of Worcester is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation in education. As a PGCE Secondary Science Lecturer, you will have the opportunity to inspire future educators while benefiting from professional development and a flexible part-time schedule at our vibrant St John’s Campus. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of education and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored for your needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Composites Processing in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Economics Network for a Research Associate in Composites Processing. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Composites Processing in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Economics Network, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Economics Network, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Economics Network
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Economics Network.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Economics Network. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Economics Network love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
