Research Assistant/Research Fellow: Contaminant Removal & Ultra-Low Flux Melt Processing Development for Upcycling Al Alloys - 16833

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Research Assistant: from £36,640 to £38,638 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.

Research Fellow: from £40,757 to £44,179 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £52,067 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term 36 months

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits.

For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

BCAST is a speciality research centre focusing on solidification and wider metallurgical research with an international reputation. BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for both metal processing and materials characterisation. See https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/BCAST for more information.

This position is funded by an EU funded project entitled CLEANMAT for a period of 36 months. CLEANMAT is developing next-generation aluminium recycling processes that eliminate harmful cleaning chemicals, drastically reduce emissions and waste, and maximize material quality and circularity. The project integrates a digital thread for real-time process optimization, advanced sensors for contaminant detection, environmentally friendly thermal pre-treatment, and flux-minimized melting and refining for both modern and traditional furnaces. Impacts will be rigorously assessed through Life Cycle and Environmental Analysis, targeting significant reductions in COe emissions, energy consumption, hazardous substances, and slag generation, while ensuring safe and sustainable operations.

This position focuses on Contaminant Removal & Ultra-Low Flux Melt Processing This role focuses on developing methods to remove extra inclusions and impurities caused by contamination and implementing ultra-low flux melt refining for gas-fired, reverberatory, and other industrial aluminium furnaces. The work includes designing process recipes with flow control, thermal management, and alkali removal.

The post holder should have a degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Metal Materials or working towards a PhD in Material science/ metallurgy/ Material engineering (Metal), candidates with a BSc degree, and ideally a minimum of two years’ hands-on experience in aluminium manufacturing, particularly in aluminium casting, will also be considered. (evidence requested).

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications: 30 April 2026

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please click the Apply button.

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

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