At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and analyse advanced materials for innovative applications in health, sport, and electronics.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Loughborough University, a leader in education and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, flexible working options, and access to top-notch facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that shapes the future of technology and society.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in functional materials and strong lab skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 43482 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full time or part time role, fixed term until 31 May 2028
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University. Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
The project entails the development, analysis and engineering of advanced low-dimensional functional materials, additive manufacturing and device integration in multisectoral applications spanning wearable sensors for health, sport and wellness, e-fibres and e-textiles, neuromorphic computing devices and applications for consumer electronics and defence. Examples of engineered materials include quantum dots (0D), carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires (1D), graphene and other two-dimensional materials (2D), polymers and nanocomposites.
The role will involve selecting and optimising material structures, optimising ink formulations for device integration in flexible and stretchable substrates, including polymeric and textile substrates, using additive manufacturing techniques, such as printing, coating and non-lithographic techniques, while maintaining optimum device performance, accuracy and reliability.
You will have:
- Experience in formulation, optimisation and integration of functional materials in flexible and wearable substrates.
- Experience in the use of analytical equipment in a laboratory environment including morphological (AFM, SEM, TEM), electrical, optical, spectroscopic (Raman, UV/Vis, FTIR) and chemical characterisation.
- Experience in working with computational modelling and CAD tools (e.g. MATLAB, COMSOL, Abaqus, Geant4) to assist the design and optimisation tasks.
- Experience in acquiring, curating and analysing data derived from field trials (including human or animal subjects) and analytical techniques.
- Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working in a lab, including the preparation of risk assessment and COSHH forms to ensure a safe working environment.
- Engaged in translational and/or entrepreneurship programs aiming to exploit research outputs.
- Have a PhD degree (or close to completion) in a related subject, or equivalent experience.
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 Luigi G. Occhipinti, Principal Investigator, via email or by telephone on +44 (0) .
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
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. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Prof Luigi Occhipinti. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Closing Date: 23 August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
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:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work - 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.
- Financial Wellbeing - 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.
- Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Research Associate in Innovative Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced battery technologies. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this PhD studentship provides not only comprehensive funding but also extensive training opportunities, making it an ideal environment for aspiring researchers to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in climate-resilient energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Innovative Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Loughborough
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Loughborough University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Loughborough University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Innovative Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Loughborough
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 Loughborough University. 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 Loughborough University. 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 Loughborough University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
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.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
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 Loughborough University. 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.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
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 Loughborough University to drive research projects forward.
