At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to develop advanced computational models for material behaviour.
- Company: Collaborate with top universities and industry leaders on innovative aerospace and nuclear projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 38 days off, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Fixed-term position with a dynamic research environment and collaboration opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable aviation and hydrogen technologies while advancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields; experience in computational modelling is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant or Research Associate to join an EPSRC-funded project investigating the micro-mechanisms of thermal fatigue in high-temperature nickel-based alloys and/or other precipitate-strengthened alloys used in aerospace and nuclear applications. Working with Dr Christos Skamniotis and collaborators at the University of Twente, the University of Leicester, Rolls-Royce plc and UKAEA, you will develop advanced computational Multiphysics models to study the behaviour and interactions of crystallographic dislocations under extreme thermal and mechanical loads experienced in real service environments.
The project combines cutting‑edge Discrete Dislocation Plasticity (DDP) modelling complemented by Crystal Plasticity Finite Element (CPFE) modelling to address fundamental questions related to fatigue damage and material performance. You will contribute to the development of in‑house MATLAB and C++ modelling tools, collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners, and help advance research supporting the design of next‑generation materials for demanding engineering environments.
What you would be doing:
- You will develop in‑depth understanding of dislocation structure evolution within the microstructure of precipitate‑strengthened alloys, under thermal‑mechanical load cycling.
- You will develop state‑of‑the‑art 2D Discrete Dislocation Plasticity (DDP) code and leverage existing Crystal Plasticity Finite Element (CPFE) code via collaboration with world‑leading experts in Dislocation Plasticity, Diffusion Kinetics, and Computing.
- You will produce high‑quality publications in prestigious journals.
- You will present findings to industrial partners and attend regular meetings with academic/industrial project partners at Imperial, Oxford and Loughborough.
- You will co‑supervise PhD students working on this project and relevant projects within Dr Skamniotis’ group.
- You will promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College.
What we are looking for:
- You must hold a PhD (or near completion) in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Engineering/Materials Science/Physics, or a related discipline; candidates without a PhD will be considered for Research Assistant.
- At Associate level, experience of dealing with sponsors is essential.
- Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals is essential.
- You must have practical experience in computational modelling (Finite Element analysis, MATLAB).
- You must have knowledge of Advanced Solid Mechanics theory, including advanced Elasticity and Plasticity.
- Knowledge of research methods is essential.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to work on a cutting‑edge research programme addressing critical challenges in sustainable aviation and hydrogen technologies.
- Collaboration with leading researchers across Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and industrial partners.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution.
- Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year).
Further information:
This position is fixed term and is expected to run for up to 3 years. In person attendance is required 5 days per week, as per the needs of the role.
Research Assistant or Associate in Computational Modelling of Dislocation Plasticity and Fatigue in London employer: SONICOM
Join a world-leading institution where you will engage in groundbreaking research on sustainable aviation and hydrogen technologies. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation, you will have the opportunity to develop advanced computational models alongside top researchers from prestigious universities and industry leaders. Enjoy a sector-leading salary, generous leave entitlements, and the chance to contribute to high-impact publications while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant or Associate in Computational Modelling of Dislocation Plasticity and Fatigue in London
✨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 SONICOM for a Research Assistant or Associate in Computational Modelling of Dislocation Plasticity and Fatigue. 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 Assistant or Associate in Computational Modelling of Dislocation Plasticity and Fatigue in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SONICOM, 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 SONICOM, 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 SONICOM
✨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 SONICOM.
✨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 SONICOM. 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 SONICOM love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
