Research and Innovation Fellow in Metamaterials Manufacturing

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Closes: 29^th April 2026

Brief JD:

The Research and Innovation Fellow will lead research and evidence-gathering activities focused on current and emerging metamaterial manufacturing technologies, producing insights that will directly support the strategic aims of the UK Metamaterials Network. Working closely with Network Joint Lead Dr Claire Dancer and collaborating with the broader leadership and professional services team based at the University of Exeter, the Fellow will review existing literature, conduct research visits to relevant organisations and facilities, survey key experts, and analyse and interpret findings to inform stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy.

This role is ideal for a researcher with expertise in manufacturing or a closely related discipline who is motivated by applied research with clear links to policy, engagement, and strategic decision-making. Strong communication skills are essential, as the Fellow will engage with diverse stakeholder groups and contribute to key Network activities, including travel to relevant facilities within the UK and internationally, and supporting major events such as the annual UK Metamaterials Conference and Forum.

Person Specification:

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree in an area relevant to the work in researching manufacturing methods relevant to metamaterials (e.g. Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Manufacturing, Design, or other related disciplines),
• High level analytical capability for both quantitative and qualitative data,
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to different stakeholder groups, in both written and oral formats,
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones (specifically in the key technologies used or proposed for the manufacturing of metamaterials and metamaterial devices),
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes at the University of Birmingham and to coordinate effectively with such processes at project partner Universities,
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project,
• Able to carry out day-to-day activities independently including planning and executing research visits, 
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Desirable: familiarity with British Standards (or international equivalents) for metrology,
• Desirable: experience of carrying out applied research on making metamaterials or related architected devices,
• Desirable: experience of research methodologies involving surveying individuals and analysing qualitative data effectively,
• Desirable: the successful candidate may be required to obtain UK Security Clearance in order to enable research visits and other interactions with certain stakeholder organisations.

Informal enquiries to Claire Dancer, email: c.e.j.dancer@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.

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