Research Associate in Laser Induced Shock Propagation

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: up to 24 months

The Opportunity:

This Research Associate position will contribute to the ‘Novel Implementation of LASEM Capability for Rapid Screening of Energetic Materials’ project within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by DSTL and in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory – Aberdeen Proving Grounds (USA).

This project focuses on experimental measurements that provide quantifiable measurements of inherent reactivity of solid-materials by way of tracking laser-induced air shock phenomena. We are particularly interested in quantifying the net energetics of the gas-phase reactions and the pressure rise behind the resultant shock front to correlate to fundamental exothermic decomposition processes. We are hiring a PDRA who has experience with:

• High-speed imaging and/or
• Spectroscopy, especially Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) applied to reacting or non-equilibrium systems.

Strong candidates will have experience with high-speed imaging and/or laser diagnostics for reacting systems. Strong candidates will also exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and apply them for fundamental investigations of chemical energy output from laser material interactions. Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as Engineering or Physical Chemistry or Physics.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to work in a growing area for understanding the inherent reactivity of solid energetic materials with opportunities to be part of the first team to explore expanding the technique to broader classes of compounds relevant to industrial and consumer safety.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Proven track record with optical diagnostics (including techniques such as high-speed imaging or spectroscopy)
• Experience with energetic materials or laser induced plasmas
• Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation related to high-temperature kinetics

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