Research Associate

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath to work with Professor Chris Bowen, who has been awarded a prestigious UKRI Frontier Research Project in Porous Processing of Smart Porous Electro-Ceramic Transducers.

As a Research Associate, you will undertake innovative experimental research on electro-active materials and composites, with a focus on developing processing methods for ferroelectric materials and pyroelectric sensing applications. You will contribute to the design and delivery of the research programme through materials processing, characterisation, data analysis, and the dissemination of research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. Working collaboratively with academic and industrial partners, you will also contribute to research proposals, support the supervision of students, and help advance the Department's internationally recognised research portfolio.

About you

You will hold a degree and PhD in a relevant discipline, such as Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. You will demonstrate:

• An enthusiastic approach to multidisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Experience in materials processing and characterisation, with the ability to apply appropriate experimental techniques.
• The ability to design and conduct research activities, analyse data, and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage research tasks and meet project objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to research publications and presentations.
• A commitment to research excellence, innovation, safe working practices, and professional conduct.

Experience in publishing peer-reviewed research, contributing to research proposals, or supporting student supervision would be advantageous.

Further information

This is a full-time role (36.5 hours per week) with a fixed-term contract, expected to end date of 31/12/2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof. Chris Bowen on 01225 383660 or c.r.bowen@bath.ac.uk, however, please ensure that you submit your application through the University website.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

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• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Find out more about being at your best at Bath.

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