Research Fellow of ProDesk (Fixed Term)

Research Associate/ Fellow of ProDesk

£32080 to £38784 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £32080 with relevant PhD or £34610 maximum without PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance

Applications are invited for the above post based in the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at University Park, Nottingham. This post will complement and strengthen research related activities within The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham. The research of the UTC has been highly ranked in the field of manufacturing related areas and is carrying out the leading technologies in these fields. 

This post will focus on the study of advanced manufacturing technologies and system design. It is supposed to design the manufacturing system and study the material machining performance through different techniques in detail. Another objective is to study the materials properties (including microstructures, micro/macro mechanical performance etc.) influenced by the advanced manufacturing process. 

The successful candidate will be expected to join the Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology and contribute high quality research. Candidates should have good independent research capabilities, publications in high-impact academic journal, ability to work with industrial/academic partners, and experience of carrying out successful projects.

Candidates must possess a good first degree in mechanical engineering, and preferably a PhD degree (or be near completion). Better understanding of materials properties will be beneficial. 

This full-time post is available from 01 January 2026, but late start could be agreed, and will offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 2 years. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week).

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be address to Prof. Zhirong Liao (Zhirong.Liao@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

It is a condition of this role that you undertake the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening.

Further details:

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. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme. 

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

Please contact me directly should you have any questions regarding this matter.

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