Experimental Officer, Testing and Structures Research Laboratory

Full Time Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 February 2023

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The University of Southampton hosts the National Infrastructure Laboratory - N|I|L, which is part of the UKCRIC* Network of facilities focused on research and development for infrastructure and cities. The N|I|L is a new facility encompassing four major individual laboratories that support education, enterprise and research across the School of Engineering. These laboratories facilitate mechanical and materials testing across all materials and disciplines (civil, mechanical, ship science and aerospace engineering).

The Testing and Structures Research Laboratory (TSRL) is located within the N|I|L and is a regional and national centre for materials testing and experimental mechanics research. Our research addresses: microstructure-property relationships, material-structure synthesis, design-production coupling, and fluid-structure interactions; with applications including: evaluating mechanical properties, identifying damage initiation in structures, evaluating stresses in components, identifying and monitoring fatigue crack propagation, strain measurement of composite, metal and foams specimens subjected to high rate loading and monitoring damage evolution and accumulation in components.

The laboratory contains a wide range of static, cyclic and high strain rate machines capable of testing a wide range of materials across loading scales, length scales, temperature scales and strain rates. The laboratory also uses a variety of non-contact, non-destructive imaging techniques for identifying and quantifying damage and defects within structures and components (including digital image correlation and infra-red thermography), alongside some facilities for manufacturing composite components.

You will lead and develop the already established Testing and Structures Research Laboratory along with leading the day to day management of TSRL ensuring that the facility is efficient and effective. In this varied role you will provide specialist technical support to students, researchers and staff within the School of Engineering on the safe use of equipment and facilities in the TSRL. This will include equipment training and the provision of expert advice on designing and conducting experiments. They will manage the health and safety aspects of the laboratory and the general usage, maintenance, calibration and repair of equipment within the TSRL.

To be successful you will demonstrate initiative and be able to work independently, as well as being part of the wider N|I|L team. The Experimental Officer role requires an understanding of research and teaching, but with a strong emphasis on training, support, and management of technical facilities. It is essential you have qualifications in civil or mechanical engineering, or a similar discipline, with significant experience of mechanical test equipment. The role may suit applicants from either a research laboratory background or an industrial laboratory-based setting. A detailed job description is available in the application portal [or is linked below].

The University of Southampton is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre. We offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. 

Contact Andy Giles a.a.giles@soton.ac.uk for more information. 

Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Anjali Mavi on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 2143923DA on all correspondence.

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