Description Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences Grade: Grade 7 (£36,924-£46,485) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months) Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University Detailed Description The Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work on developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts. This is an integral aspect of the project “Complete Additive Manufacturing of a Laser Chassis” which is part of the “Making Challenge” of the “Smart Products Made Smarter” Prosperity Partnership between Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and Leonardo UK. https://spms.site.hw.ac.uk/ This major project of the partnership is focused on the design, manufacture, and test of a future industrial laser chassis, utilising powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced laser-based manufacturing. The project is split into three areas: 1. Optical, mechanical, and thermal design of a compact and robust laser, exploiting the existing capabilities of additive manufacturing; 2. Testing and analysing new concepts on metal 3D printed parts; 3. Developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts. This last aspect is the core responsibility of the new PDRA post. The project is in close collaboration with Leonardo engineers, and university colleagues, who will jointly execute some of the project tasks. The PDRA will liaise with metal AM suppliers and the University of Edinburgh project team responsible for AM process development. The successful candidate will be required to rapidly embrace the body of knowledge vested in the research teams and will grasp the technical challenges of developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts. Research Environment They will work directly with Prof M J Daniel Esser (project lead), Dr Richard Carter and Prof Duncan Hand at Heriot-Watt University, the Leonardo engineers involved in the project, and Dr Sam Tammas-Williams and Prof Jonathan Corney from University of Edinburgh. They will also work with PhD students and the other PDRAs of the Prosperity Partnership. The PDRA will report on project progress and outcomes to the Prosperity Partnership Management Group, as well as participating in Knowledge Transfer Meetings and Workshops with a broad range of Leonardo personnel. Most of the project will be executed in the High-power Laser Applications Laboratories in the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, with some joint work also executed in the Laser Development Laboratories at Heriot-Watt, the Additive Manufacturing research facilities at University of Edinburgh, as well as on the manufacturing site at Leonardo UK, Edinburgh. Key Duties and Responsibilities We are looking for creative and highly motivated researchers willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings, as well as national and international conferences, whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models and data analysis. Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators; assisting in the development of student research skills, and contributing to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering. The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools. Is there room to grow? We encourage our researchers to find and follow their passion. We offer fantastic opportunities for learning, development and professional growth. This project will provide hands-on insight into, and potentially lead to, career opportunities at Leonardo. This is a chance of reinventing and developing your technical skillset during this exciting, challenging project. Learning on the job isn't just a benefit – it's a must. This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working. Education, Qualifications and Experience Education & Qualifications: Essential Criteria An Engineering Doctorate or PhD in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position). Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility. Skills & Experience: Essential Criteria Experience with relevant laser-based materials processing. Demonstrating strong experimental skills. Experience in contributing to the writing of scientific papers. Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal and commercially sensitive information. Energy and enthusiasm for the project. Education & Qualifications: Desirable Criteria An Engineering Doctorate or PhD covering several of these areas: Laser-based materials processing with high power / ultra-short-pulse lasers. Laser-based additive manufacturing. Optical or Laser system design and development. System engineering principles and processes. Training in Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Modelling. Training in Design for Additive Manufacturing. Skills & Experience: Desirable Criteria Previous experience working in a laser applications research environment. Demonstrating skills & experience in topics relevant to the project, including several of the following: Laser-based polishing of AM parts (CW and ns-pulsed lasers) Ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to structural components (ps- and fs-pulsed lasers) Advanced utilisation of powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing. Test methods of evaluating optical and mechanical parts subjected to thermal and environmental test conditions. Laser system set-up and maintenance for laser-based materials processing. Demonstration of / proof of ability to; Lead authorship of experimental development reports / publications. Lead a project and maintain focus on the project aims. Implementation of rigorous engineering processes / scientific method. Exploit innovative technology concepts and emerging manufacturing technologies; Skills of working with manufacturers and suppliers. Skills of collaborating with senior and junior research team members. Establish a close working relationship with the main points of contact in the company. Leading the writing of scientific papers. Nationality, Residency & Place of Work This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working: Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh, and take part in face-to-face meetings & workshops with the collaborators of the project. This appointment is in partnership with Leonardo and will require being able to demonstrate eligibility for UK Security Clearance. For applicants outside the UK: you may require an ATAS certificate to do research in the UK. CAH3 code: CAH07-04-01 or CAH10-01-01. About our Team Heriot-Watt University is leading the development of high-power lasers, with potential applications in industrial material processing and defence. Also, Heriot-Watt is pioneering the development of laser-based manufacturing processes and applications and successfully transferring these to a wide range of industrial sectors. The Laser Device Physics & Engineering group under the lead of Prof Esser drives the research and development of new laser sources in the near-infrared and mid-IR, demonstrating and exploiting new high-brightness diode laser technologies, novel solid-state laser crystals, and new manufacturing and assembly methods applied to laser system design and assembly. The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group under the lead of Prof Hand and Dr Carter is part of the dynamic, multi-national Applied Optics and Photonics Group (AOP: http://www.aop.hw.ac.uk/) at Heriot-Watt University. The HPLA group uses a wide range of laser sources (from CW through to ultra-short pulsed lasers) to address research challenges in laser-based manufacturing. Leonardo is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the sensors and electronic systems which sit under the skin of the world’s most advanced aircraft, effectively acting as their brains, senses and nervous systems. Protecting pilots, alerting air crews to threats and providing unrivalled situational awareness, our world-class engineering and technology informs decision-making and helps ensure that those in harm’s way come home safely. The Edinburgh site is home to Leonardo’s world-leading laser capability, with their engineers meeting around 80% of the global demand for high-energy military lasers. Travel Local travel to technical and review meetings with our partners, the University of Edinburgh and Leonardo on their sites in Edinburgh. There may also be longer periods spent working at these other sites. Annual national conference (2-3 days within the UK) and at least 1 international conference ( 1 week) are also expected. About Heriot-Watt Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. Nearly 30,000 students study with Heriot-Watt across business, engineering, design and the social, physical, biological and sports sciences. Our student body is roughly split evenly between the UK, our two campuses in Dubai and Malaysia, and online, with the latter being distributed across almost all the countries of the world. We also have many partnerships with other institutions world-wide who award Heriot-Watt degrees. The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes: the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering. REF2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. Heriot-Watt ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition, we deliver teaching across 6 undergraduate and post-graduate programmes: Chemistry; Physics; Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering and Brewing & Distilling. In the 2019 National Student Survey Heriot-Watt University was ranked 35th in the UK. 90% of our students were satisfied overall with their course in over half of the University's subject areas. At subject area level the School ranked in the top 10 UK universities for Physics and we were 3rd in Scotland for Chemistry and 2nd for Mechanical Engineering and 1st in Scotland for Chemical Engineering. How to Apply Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV Applications can be submitted until Friday 21st February 2025. We plan to have the short-listing done on the 27 th /28 th of February, with the 4 th of March identified as a possible interview day. For further information and an informal discussion, please contact Prof Daniel Esser via email. - M.J.D.Esserhw.ac.uk At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.