Research Fellow (BCC-Superalloys)

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £38,784

Fixed Term contract until June 2028

Job Summary

• Work within specified research grant: Bcc-superalloys: Engineering Resilience to Extreme Environments, on the topic of bcc-superalloys (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116761)
• Operate within an area of specialism, which can include (1) alloy design, (2) modelling – CALPHAD/DFT/ICME, (3) experimental alloy production, (4) advanced characterisation (SEM, EBSD, TEM, STEM, APT, diffraction), and/or (5) testing (mechanical / environmental) [expertise across all these specialisms is not required]
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Publish research in top journal articles, and present at international conferences
• Contribute to writing bids and generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Person Specification

• First degree in area of materials, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, solid state physics or a related discipline.
• Doctoral degree (such as PhD), or close to completion of a doctoral degree relevant to advanced manufacturing, physical metallurgy or advanced characterisation.
• A track record, or a demonstrable potential of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• High level experimental, analytical and communication capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant modelling tools, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• 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

An ideal candidate should have some or all of the following attributes:

• Experience in alloy synthesis including arc melting and heat treatment
• Experience of microstructural characterisation
• Experience of mechanical testing
• Good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good report writing skills and the ability to present results using Powerpoint.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Sandy Knowles (a.j.knowles@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.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closing Date: 22^nd September 2026

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