Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are for 12 months, starting on 1st October 2025.

A position exists for a Research Associate in the Physics and Chemistry of Solids research group at the Cavendish Laboratory (Physics Department).

The aim of the role is to explore damage characterisation of composite and related materials by quantifying the relationship between damage causal metrics and damage extend or mechanism.

During the 12-month period of the contract, the successful candidate will undertake the following research activities:

• Selection and acquisition/preparation of materials to be studied
• Application of damage to the prepared samples over a range of temperatures and strain rates, extracting quantitative causal metrics.
• Characterisation of damage, using X-ray computed tomography and mechanical testing for measurement of the residual strength of the samples post-damage, extracting quantitative damage metrics.
• Identification of the relationship between the causal and damage metrics.
• Production of a report to communicate the important findings to the community of interest, with the potential for presenting the outcome in a relevant conference.

The role holder will have the opportunity to use new, state-of-the-art X-ray computed tomography equipment, which will be part of the Collaborative R&D Environment (CORDE) in the Ray Dolby Centre of the Cavendish Laboratory. They will collaborate with specialist technicians within the facility, fellow researchers in the PCS group, and non-academic partners within the community of interest.

Appointment at Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD and those who are in the process of submitting their PhD thesis (in which case appointment will initially be made at research assistant, Grade 5, and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded). On receipt of PhD award, the appointee will move to Grade 7.

The ideal candidate will have a background in damage characterisation. Essential prerequisites include experience using X-ray computed tomography and laboratory experience including chemical, x-ray, cryogen, compressed gasses safety and training records. Knowledge of image processing techniques and relevant programming languages that facilitate these, is also essential.

The post holder will be located at the Ray Dolby Centre, Cavendish Laboratory 19 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0US, UK.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant £34,132 (Grade 5) or Research Associate £37,174- £45,413 (Grade 7).

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Please be advised that references will be required in advance of interviews, for longlisted candidates.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Malvina Constantinou (mc954@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA46597 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information