At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team in metal additive manufacturing and explore innovative technologies.
- Company: Loughborough University, a vibrant community dedicated to education and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, flexible working options, and access to top-notch facilities.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with excellent career growth opportunities and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced materials research while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in material science or related field; experience in metal additive manufacturing is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 34380 - 42020 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing, 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing, Loughborough
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✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Loughborough University that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Metal Additive Manufacturing, Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Loughborough University, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Loughborough University want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Loughborough University will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Loughborough University. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Loughborough University might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Loughborough University. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Loughborough University, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
