Research Associate - AI in Engineering, AI-Driven Design for Forming High-Performance Vehicle Components

Salary: £46,297-£49,895 Starting spine point 16-18

Location: South Kensington, hybrid.

About the role:

Do you have comprehensive experience and expertise in AI in engineering—specifically in applying cutting-edge AI or deep learning techniques to the mechanics of materials, for the modelling and/or optimisation of physical fields/processes, geometric designs, and material responses?

We invite applications for a Research Associate/Assistant position, funded by EPSRC, to help pioneer an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Design for Forming platform, enabling versatile applications in the design and forming of high-performance, manufacturable vehicle components.

As the successful candidate, you will contribute to the delivery of disruptive solutions that integrate advanced AI techniques to support the rapid design, optimisation, and production of lightweight, high-performance vehicle components. You will join a multidisciplinary team with expertise in design engineering and manufacturing and engage in both fundamental, groundbreaking research and close collaboration with industrial partners to address real-world challenges.

What you would be doing:

• You will follow the research work plan defined by the supervisor (also line manager), including the development of data generation methodologies and pipelines, AI models, and optimisation frameworks, in a timely manner.
• You will report research progress in detail during weekly meetings to ensure effective communication and research discussion.
• You will ensure timely delivery of project deliverables and achievement of milestones.
• You will maintain effective communication with project partners and present at project review meetings.

Please refer to the job description for a full list of the desirable and essential criteria.

What we are looking for:

• PhD , or near finishing their PhD, in a relevant subject such as design engineering, mechanical engineering, computing, data science, mathematics, electrical and electronics engineering, aeronautical engineering, materials, or a related field.
• Expertise in AI in engineering, specifically in applying cutting-edge AI or deep learning techniques and models for physical process and field modelling and/or optimisation, including relevant data generation, analysis, and pre-/post-processing.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques in computational mechanics and mechanics of materials, with a focus on finite element analysis of large deformations. (Ideally in combination with AI-driven modelling).
• Knowledge of principles and techniques in geometrical modelling, with a focus on versatile 3D surface modelling for vehicle component design. (Ideally in combination with AI-driven modelling).

Please refer to the job description for the person specification details.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• The opportunity to work with and collaborate with highly inspirational researchers and industrial partners.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading career support for researchers, as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Access to a wide range of research resources and training courses.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full-time post and a fixed-term 24-month contract (note: the contract can potentially be extended to 36 months).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:
Dr Nan Li – nan.li@imperial.ac.uk, with your up-to-date CV attached.

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