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 £35,880 to £45,163, with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade 7
Full Time, Fixed Term Contract up to 31 January 2026
Closing date: 5 January 2025
Background
The successful applicant will be a member of the NDT and Condition Monitoring Group working towards the delivery of novel autonomous marine robotic vehicles as part of the recently started Horizon Europe collaborative research MERLIN project. This will involve researching advanced Finite Element Analysis techniques for structural evaluation of sea surface, shallow and deep water components using appropriate software packages such as ABAQUS and advanced signal processing, including machine learning for data collected from various sensors. Research will also include mechanical properties characterisation of structural materials selected for building the critical structural components of the MERLIN AUVs. The applicant will work in close collaboration with industrial and research partners participating in the project across Europe. This post focuses on addressing the structural simulation aspects of the project, together with the data analysis aspects for data collected from the sensors used in the project.
Summary of Role
* Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
* Operate within area of specialism (FEA modelling, simulation, and data analysis)
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results
* Contribute to generating funding
* Contribute to supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students and tutoring within the School
Main Duties / Responsibilities
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
* Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
* Contribute to writing bids for research funding
* Analyse and interpret data
* Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
* Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
* Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
* Undertake management/administration arising from research
* Contribute to Departmental/School 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, often under supervision of a project leader
* Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
* 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
* Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* First degree in materials, mechanical engineering or civil engineering, and normally, a higher degree (PhD or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
* Experience in finite element analysis and structural analysis
* CAD experience (Autocad or Solidworks) and Finite Element modelling (ABAQUS)
* Data analysis and signal processing (e.g. using MATLAB)
* Practical experience/knowledge of microstructural characterisation and mechanical testing
* High level analytical capability
* Ability to communicate complex information clearly
* Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
* Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
* Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
* Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
* Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
* 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 Mayorkinos Papaelias, email: m.papaelias@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 4147842
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.
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