Research Associate for Manufacturing-Oriented Computational Design

Job reference: SAE-032449
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 21/10/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 18 months
School/Directorate: School of Engineering

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join the Digital Manufacturing Lab as a Research Associate for Manufacturing-Oriented Computational Design. The project aims to develop a computational kernel to effectively generate optimised structure and toolpaths for robot-assisted additive manufacturing with dynamically changed material accumulation directions. The research is funded by The University of Manchester and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

You will be responsible for:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Write up research work for publication.
• Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Engineering
• Specialist knowledge in computational design, advanced manufacturing, intelligent mechatronics or robotics
• Experience in C++ programming and mathematics formulation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Charlie Wang

Email Address: charlie.wang@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.