Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing, Loughborough in Hathern

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory (AMPLab) within the Department of Materials at Loughborough University as a Research Associate. The project is funded by Aerospace Technology Institute/Innovate-UK and investigates laser metal additive manufacturing, aiming to establish process-structure-property relationships to support the development of high-performance components. Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

About the role:

This is an 18 month (minimum) fixed-term Research Associate position focused on metal additive manufacturing. The research aims to understand the relationships between processing parameters, microstructural evolution and material performance to deliver high-performance 3D printed components. The role will involve metal powder characterisation, alloy manufacturing, microstructural investigation, and mechanical property evaluation of additively manufactured alloys, alongside analysis and interpretation of experimental results and dissemination of the research outcomes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the design and manufacture of experimental samples and components, including the development and optimisation of additive manufacturing processing conditions.
• Undertake metal powder feedstock characterisation, including particle size analysis, powder flowability and SEM.
• Conduct metallographic preparation of the manufactured samples.
• Perform microstructural characterisation using XRD, optical microscopy, SEM and EBSD.
• Conduct mechanical testing to evaluate the properties and performance of manufactured materials.
• Analyse and interpret experimental results and prepare technical reports.
• Work collaboratively with the research team and project partners to support the successful delivery of project objectives and milestones.
• Write research papers suitable for publication in high quality academic journals.
• Attend meetings and make presentations both within the project partners working group and to external stakeholders.
• Represent the Lab in conferences.

About You

An ideal candidate should have some or all the following skills:

• Experience in metal additive manufacturing.
• Knowledge/background in Titanium alloys (an advantage).
• Practical experience in microstructural characterization (XRD, SEM, optical microscopy and EBSD).
• Practical experience in mechanical testing, data analysis with understanding of the fracture surfaces.
• Good report writing skills and the ability to present results using Powerpoint.
• A track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals (an advantage).

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should be educated to an appropriate technical level (minimum a PhD degree in material science or metallurgy, mechanical engineering or similar discipline), with significant experience in Titanium alloys, materials characterisation, metallography and microstructural characterisation.

Why should you Apply?

With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Moataz Attallah, via email.

Application Process

For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.

Closing Date: 18th October 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

• Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and those close to you through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
• Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible.