Research Associate in Multi-physics Digital Validation

Loughborough University

This role is offered as Full-Time for an initial Fixed-term period of 24 months.

This role is suitable for remote working with occasional office work as determined by line management.

Here’s more about the role and what we are looking for:

We are seeking an experienced, creative, enthusiastic, and a highly organised individual with proven experience of multi-physics computational modelling to join us as a Research Associate in our Multifunctional Materials Manufacturing Laboratory in support of the UKRI-EPSRC Programme Grant, ‘Re-imagining engineering design (RIED)’.

80% of the costs of realising a product is in validation of prototypes (physical or cyber). It is often common that the decision to progress from concepts to prototype is taken without a complete set of information, leading to risk and often wasted resources. Wouldn’t it be great to have an “engine” that could guide the design stage, informed by better quality and comprehensive know-how of manufacturing? Would it make sense to carry out cyber-physical validations before committing to a final design? This would lead to right-first time product realisation, with savings in capital investment, and efficiencies in time and minimising waste and resources consumed. 

Re-Imagining Engineering Design (RIED) is a multi-institutional Programme Grant, co-funded by the EPSRC and a consortium of Industrial Collaborators. This presents an opportunity for high calibre research associates to join our team as we develop new approaches to integrating design, manufacturing and physical verification of processes, products, services and supply chains.  We are seeking to appoint a researcher to contribute to the work packages that comprise process parameterisation, digital simulation for the purpose of design validation, as well as addressing the challenges of verification/validation to a standard that can inform (and be informed by) new Design Methodologies, considering the various stakeholders along a supply chain.

Key Requirements:

• Knowledge of creating multi-physics simulations, especially physical, chemical or biological processes and phenomena 
• Experience of validation via in-silico approaches that could complement and inform ex-silico approaches (i.e., lab testing) of products and processes, exploring the concepts of ‘Smart testing’. 
• Experience of modelling techniques at the macro scale, (e.g. finite element simulations and numerical computations).  
• Have a degree or PhD in a related subject or equivalent

We are seeking applicants with a profound interest in the design, manufacture and validation of high performing multifunctional products.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Paul P. Conway via email to p.p.conway@lboro.ac.uk, or Dr Carmen Torres-Sanchez via email c.torres@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 227 518

Find out more about the Research opportunities we have on offer on our dedicated Microsite .

Our publications:

https://www.riedesign.org

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2021/june/cyber-seed-reid-project/

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/staff/paul-conway/

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/staff/carmen-torres-sanchez/

https://carmentorressanchez.wordpress.com/

Closing date for applications: 17^th April 2023

A copy of the job description and person specification is available here 

Our Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance up to 44 days p.a. (inclusive of Bank Holidays & University Closure Days)
• Competitive pension schemes
• A range of childcare support initiatives and benefits including childcare vouchers; on-site university nursery (with salary sacrifice scheme); and holiday play schemes.
• We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies.
• BUPA Cash Plan (100 scheme)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticker loan scheme
• On campus parking with charging points for electric vehicles
• Fantastic range of sports facilities and preferential membership packages available
• Fantastic CPD, Linkedin learning and inclusive resources for development