Research Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering for someone with a passion for materials characterisation looking to use their skills in microscopy and surface analysis to make an impact on next-generation aero-engine component performance.

You will join an industrially funded project with Rolls-Royce, within our large and diverse academic department spanning mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering. Your standing and approach to advanced materials analysis will further strengthen our strong international research profile and our reputation for novel, industry-led research.

You will work in a well-connected team with a world-leading reputation in materials and surface engineering. We are well known internationally for our research and are one of the largest research groups of our kind in the UK.

You will use your sample preparation and microscopy skills to provide essential support to the project team, delivering robust, high-quality deposit layer and surface characterisation data to our industrial partner.

You will play a key role in excellence by applying rigorous characterisation methods to analyse deposit layer quality and the effect of surface characteristics on deposit formation processes.

As this role requires the application of advanced characterisation techniques including EPMA, it provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in high-resolution materials analysis and electron microscopy.

This role offers you the opportunity to shape industry-relevant research outcomes by playing a key part in understanding how surface characteristics influence deposit formation on metallic components.

In this varied and dynamic role, you will be responsible for following standard sample preparation procedures and conducting analysis using optical and SEM microscopy, as well as advanced characterisation methods such as EPMA. Working alongside academic researchers and industrial partners from Rolls-Royce, the role will offer you an opportunity to contribute directly to a high-profile, industry-funded research programme.

You will add substantial benefit to the project team by generating reliable data and new understanding. Other key aspects of the role will include communicating results on a weekly basis to a team of academics and industrial partners, presenting findings, contributing to project reports, and supporting potential publications arising from the work.

Educated to Master degree level (or equivalent) in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, you will have a good skill set in sample preparation and analysis, along with hands-on experience using SEM and optical microscopy.

As you will be responsible for assessing deposit layers and surface effects on metallic components, knowledge of manufacturing processes such as tube drawing and machining would be an advantage.

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