Research Associate (fixed term)

Do you have expertise in material sciences or experience in the characterisation of piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath on the EPSRC-funded project “Microstructural Engineering of Piezoelectric Composites” led by Dr James Roscow.

The successful applicant will work to create novel fabrication approaches, based on the freeze-casting method combined with slip- and tape-casting, to produce high performance piezoelectric composites with mechanical and electrical properties that can be easily tailored depending on the desired application. These methods are inherently scalable and mitigate the need for additional processes such as machining of sintered piezoceramic blocks, reducing the cost, energy and waste associated with manufacturing. The properties of piezoelectric composites depend strongly on local interactions between electric and mechanical fields and the material structure over a range of length scales, from ferroelectric domains through to macro-structure of the composites. This project aims to advance the understanding of these interactions and design microstructures to exploit beneficial effects accordingly.

A highly motivated, passionate and creative candidate is sought to work withing our new research team. Our ideal candidate will:

• hold a PhD (or equivalent significant relevant experience and professional qualification) in materials science or a related discipline
• have excellent written and oral communication skills are required to enable effective dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed publications and at international meetings
• have experience in the characterisation of piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials and/or advanced ceramic processing methods is highly desired

The position is on a full-time basis (36.5 hours per week) for a fixed term due to start 5 April 2021 for a period of 21 months and therefore the expected end date is 3 January 2023. For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr James Roscow (jir24@bath.ac.uk) or Dr Hamideh Khanbareh (hk497@bath.ac.uk).

What we can offer you:

Our campus is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the City of Bath with its historic charm and social activity only a short distance away creates an excellent environment in which to work. 

We are:

• a family friendly workplace 
• open to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the University. 
• recognising of the talents of our diverse workforce through an excellent reward package 
• encouraging of your personal and professional development

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a better environment for our employees and students, creating a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances health and wellbeing across our community. We are very proud to have recently received Ambassadors for Autism certification and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

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• Job Description & Person Specification