Research Fellow in Friction Welding Analysis and Characterisation (Fixed term)

Location: Jubilee Campus

Applications are invited for the above post within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The Faculty of Engineering has an excellent international reputation for high quality theoretical and experimental research. The faculty is also dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion; it was awarded engineering department in the UK to be awarded an Athena Swan Gold award for advancing gender equality in higher education. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged. 

The person appointed will work within the framework of a collaborative industry-government funded project The research work will centre on two main technical areas:  

• Design and development experimental methods that allow for flow stress and damage characterisation in Nickel and Titanium alloys under friction welding representative loading conditions. 
• Dynamic characterisation of real production level inertia and linear friction welding machines at Rolls-Royce and the development of predictive models that allow local (near weld) boundary conditions to be approximated from machine data reports. 

The successful applicant will work with an established team of solid mechanics researchers at the University of Nottingham. This position offers the opportunity for close collaboration with national and international researchers as well with industrial partners. Indeed, through the project, the successful candidate will work closely with researchers at other institutions. 

Candidates must have extensive and demonstrable experience in mechanical characterisation of both materials (ideally Nickel and Titanium alloys) and systems. An appreciation of the complications/nuances associated with friction welding processes is highly desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of mechanical deformation behaviours observed in metals operating at high temperatures and high deformation rates. They should also be proficient in the use of programming tools (e.g. Matlab and Python) to solve basic numerical and mathematical problems and to analyse experimental data. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, ideally in a field closely related to mechanical characterisation of engineering systems and/or material characterisation.  

Candidates will need to be able to undertake high-quality research and carry out communication and knowledge disseminations activities (which include writing reports writing journal publications, presenting at conferences, and attending networking events) with minimal supervision. 

This post is available on a full time (36.25 hour), fixed term basis until the 31^st March 2026. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Chris Bennett, email c.bennett@nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

Applicants for this post will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as defined by the requirements set out by UK Visas & Immigration. Please visit: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration for more information.

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