Job Description
Position Details
School of Metallurgy and Materials, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149
Grade: 7
Part Time (15 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to April 2026
Closing date: 3rd April 2025
Background
The School of Metallurgy and Materials invites applications for a Research Fellow to undertake blue skies research into the design and development of novel optical fibre sensors for chemical process monitoring and structural integrity assessment. We wish to recruit a self-motivated, entrepreneurial and competent experimentalist to generate proof-of-concept data and ideas for the creation of novel multi-functional optical fibre sensors for optical/electrical sensing applications. Typical examples of publications emanating from curiosity driven research include technologies such as monitoring the glass transition temperature, photo-actuating polymers, multi-measurand sensors, spectral, thermal and physical analyses of thermosets, micromachined sensors, optical fibre acoustic emission sensors, and monitoring prestressed composites.
The successful applicant will have direct access to a range of custom-designed equipment to manufacture a range of optical fibre sensors. The School is also equipped with excellent facilities for the processing and characterising materials.
Role Summary
The primary role is to support the Principal Investigator in designing, developing and demonstrating novel optical fibre-based sensors and sensing techniques. The supervision of researchers and dissemination of the research findings in journals will be key objectives.
Main Duties
* Develop and execute research objectives in partnership with the Principal Investigator.
* Consider appropriate experimental designs and execution of experiments.
* Generate proof-of-concept data from the experiments.
* Analyse and interpret the original research data generated.
* Disseminate research findings in refereed journal publications and research seminars in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
* Undertake relevant management/administration arising from the research.
* Develop research objectives and contribute to proposal writing in partnership with the Principal Investigator.
* Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
* Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
* Contribute to developing new optical fibre sensors, sensing methods and techniques.
* Contribute to the Group research-related activities and research-related administration.
* Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, under supervision of the Principal Investigator.
* Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research.
* Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
* Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
* Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
* Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
* Assume responsibility for laboratory safety and the compilation of appropriate safety paperwork.
Person Specification
* Hold a Bachelor's/Master's degree in a science or engineering discipline relevant to the project, or equivalent qualifications.
* Hold a PhD (or near to completion) in an area relevant to materials science or physics.
* Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in: optical fibre sensors; modelling of sensor configurations for optical sensing; custom-modification of equipment for manufacturing optical fibre sensors; and the evaluation of sensors.
* Prior experience in characterising optical fibre sensors using a range of analytical techniques and interrogation equipment.
* Demonstrably high level of analytical capability, ability to communicate complex information clearly and work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
* Understanding of Health and Safety protocols and safe working practices in laboratories.
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Informal enquiries to Professor Gerard Fernando, email: g.fernando@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 4148244
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
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