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Job details
Job title Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing Job reference REQ260683 Date posted 14/09/2026 Application closing date 18/10/2026 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35608 Job description
We areseekinga 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 isfundedbyAerospace Technology Institute/Innovate-UKand investigateslasermetal 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.
Here’smore about the role and whatwe’relooking for:
About the role:
This isan18 month (minimum)fixed-term Research Associate position focused on metal additive manufacturing. The research aims tounderstand the relationships between processing parameters, microstructuralevolutionand material performanceto deliverhigh-performance3D printedcomponents. The role will involvemetal 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
The successful candidate will undertake the research programmein accordance withthe projectobjectives. Key responsibilities will include:
- 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, powderflowabilityand SEM.
- Conduct metallographic preparation of the manufactured samples.
- Performmicrostructural characterisationusingXRD,optical microscopy, SEM and EBSD.
- Conductmechanical testingto 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 projectobjectivesand milestones.
- Writeresearch papers suitable for publication inhigh qualityacademic journals.
- Attend meetings and make presentations both within the project partners working group and to external stakeholders.
- Represent the Lab inconferences.
About the University
Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets.We’reeducators, employers,innovatorsand pioneers. We shape culture and society.
At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention andtake action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselvesin the pursuit of better.
About the Department
The Department of Materials is part of the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering (AACME) at Loughborough University and provides a multidisciplinary research environment spanning a broad range of materials science and engineering activities. The Department is supported by extensive,state-of-the-artfacilities for materials processing,testingand characterisation, enabling high-quality experimental research across its research groups. The Department alsobenefitsfrom the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC), a central facility providing advanced materials characterisation and microscopy capabilities. These include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)and other complementary techniques, providing researchers with access to comprehensive facilities for investigating material composition,microstructureand properties.
About You
An ideal candidate should have some orallthe followingskills:
- Experience in metal additive manufacturing.
- Knowledge/backgroundinTitanium alloys(anadvantage).
- Practical experience inmicrostructural characterization (XRD,SEM, opticalmicroscopyand EBSD).
- Practical experience in mechanical testing, data analysis with understanding of the fracture surfaces.
- Good report writing skills and the ability to present results usingPowerpoint.
- A track recordof 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 microstructuralcharacterisation.
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,teamand role for you please do get in touch.We’dlove to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Moataz Attallah, via email to M.M.Attallah@lboro.ac.uk.
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Application Process
For furthersupport 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 Sarah Hawker – s.a.hawker@lboro.ac.uk. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
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:
Time off -generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with theoptionto 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.
Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible .
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Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing in Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while making a meaningful impact on students' lives across the UK. Located in a dynamic academic environment, the university fosters a supportive atmosphere where your passion for higher education can truly thrive.
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