Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to November 2026

Background

The Sustainable Manufacturing Group at the University of Birmingham leads research that advances cleaner, smarter, and more efficient manufacturing. Our work focuses on reducing energy use, decarbonising industrial processes, and creating technologies that enable a transition to net zero production.

This project aims to develop a digital monitoring solution that enhances energy efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing systems. Using advanced sensing and data analytics, it will generate actionable insights to optimise energy performance and support the adoption of sustainable practices across high value manufacturing sectors.

Role Summary

• Designing, developing and testing hardware and software components for real time energy monitoring.
• Conducting experimental work in the laboratory to validate monitoring and data analysis systems.
• Developing frameworks for sustainability metrics and performance assessment.
• Analysing data to identify trends, assess process efficiency and evaluate energy performance.
• Preparing technical documentation, project reports and research publications.
• Collaborating with academic colleagues within the Sustainable Manufacturing Group to advance shared research goals.

Main Duties

• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to writing bids for future research funding
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, etc.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person specifications

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, process monitoring and energy efficiency.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles and approaches for improving resource efficiency is desirable.
• Ability to design and implement data acquisition and sensor systems.
• Competence in programming and data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to plan, organise and manage experimental work in a laboratory environment.
• Effective communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and publications.
• Capacity to work collaboratively within a research group and contribute to joint project objectives.

Qualification and Experience

• PhD (or near to completion) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental research related to manufacturing, energy monitoring or process optimisation.
• Proven record of conducting independent research and achieving project milestones.
• Evidence of publishing or contributing to research outputs in relevant areas.
• Experience in integrating hardware and software for monitoring or control applications.
• Experience with laboratory equipment setup, data collection and analysis.
• Desirable experience in laser based or other advanced manufacturing processes.
• Desirable familiarity with sustainability assessment tools such as life cycle analysis or carbon footprint evaluation.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Shoaib Sarfraz, email: s.sarfraz@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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