Research Fellow in Metal Additive Manufacturing

Fixed Term Contract 12 months

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

About the Role

This is a one year research-focused position, with the potential for extension, entails advancing the state-of-the-art in Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (DEDAM), with a primary emphasis on the development of multi-material systems and high-performance metallic structures. You will spearhead experimental campaigns to evaluate process stability and material integrity, pioneering novel material combinations such as metal-metal composites and metal-composite joining techniques. By collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to push the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing, you will integrate process digitalisation with rigorous experimental design. Key responsibilities involve the manufacture of high-quality specimens for characterisation by research partners and the systematic analysis of experimental data to establish fundamental correlations between process parameters, microstructures, and mechanical properties. Ultimately, this work aims to refine DEDAM processes to ensure that fabricated components are meticulously optimised for specific mechanical load scenarios, with a particular interest in candidates capable of implementing advanced monitoring and automation frameworks to enhance system integration and data-driven insights.   

About You 

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. You must have demonstrable relevant experience and achievements in process development and material characterisation. You will also possess proven knowledge of monitoring and control system development within the metal AM process. In addition, you will have a developing track record of publishing in high-quality journals, along with excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills, and a proven ability for problem-solving. You will also require Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). 

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Cranfield’s research and educational excellence is recognised internationally and is brought together in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The faculty hosts the associated core research and education ‘Themes’ which in turn host a number of world-class centres and institutes. The themes define their own research challenges and educational missions, with the Directors of Theme working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (FEAS).

Cranfield Manufacturing Materials and Design community are recognised for the delivery of niche postgraduate research, education, and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach to innovation and problem solving for industry, bringing together design, materials’ technology, and management expertise to create smart, clean, and green solutions with Net Zero UK 2050 in mind.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Advert information