Postdoctoral Research Officer

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Officer

Company:

Bangor University

Job description

Applications are invited for the above fixed-term, full-time post working in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangor University.Duties will include contributing to an exciting research project focused on the development of advanced laser-based surface modification techniques to enhance thermal emissivity and heat conduction of metal surfaces (e.g. copper, stainless steel, and synthetic graphite) for aerospace applications. The role forms part of a collaborative programme involving leading industry partners, including Airbus and Teledyne Labtech.The successful candidate will:

• Apply ultrafast and nanosecond laser processing techniques to engineer surfaces with improved thermal performance.
• Develop micro/nanostructures to enhance infrared radiation and conductive heat transfer properties.
• Perform characterization using SEM, confocal microscopy, and thermal imaging tools.
• Use computational modeling to guide surface design and analyze thermal behaviour.
• Conduct vacuum testing to simulate and validate performance under space-like conditions.
• Contribute to technical reporting, academic publications, and industrial engagement.

Candidates should be educated to PhD level (or near completion) in laser materials processing, photonics, or a related discipline such as physics, mechanical engineering, or materials science, and have previous experience in using pulsed lasers (femtosecond, picosecond, or nanosecond) for material processing. Experience with surface and thermal characterization techniques, and computational simulation of heat transfer, is highly desirable.The successful candidate will be expected to commence on 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and the role is available to 30 September 2026 initially, with a possibility of extension subject to external funding.This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through , there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.Applications will only be accepted via our online recruitment website, . However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.Informal enquiries can be made by contacting:
Professor Zengbo Wang, email: z.wang@bangor.ac.ukClosing date for applications: 20 August 2025Committed To Equal OpportunitiesOverviewCollege of Science and Engineering
The College of Science and Engineering at Bangor University brings together a wide range of disciplines and research centres, promoting excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The College encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports staff and students through strong links with industry, government, and international partners.School of Computer Science and Engineering
The School of Computer Science and Engineering provides a vibrant and supportive environment, combining research-led teaching with real-world application. It is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, including advanced computing labs, electronic engineering suites, and specialist cleanroom environments. The School has strong research and industrial engagement in areas such as AI, photonics, embedded systems, and software engineering, and offers high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.The ProjectAdvanced Thermal Management for Space Electronics (ATMS)This project addresses the increasing thermal challenges in space electronics due to miniaturisation and rising power density. The collaboration between Bangor University, Teledyne Labtech, and Airbus Endeavr Wales aims to develop advanced thermal management solutions by combining synthetic graphite innovation, laser-based surface modification, and computational modelling.Bangor University focuses on using ultrafast and nanosecond laser techniques to enhance thermal emissivity and heat conduction in copper, stainless steel, and synthetic graphite materials. These techniques will be validated through laboratory testing under ambient and vacuum conditions, with the goal of delivering scalable solutions for aerospace thermal control. The overall aim is to establish an efficient and lightweight approach to heat dissipation for space electronics, supporting the transition of new materials and technologies beyond TRL 3.Purpose of the JobThe post is part of a new research initiative within the School of Computer Science and Engineering, supporting the collaborative project Advanced Thermal Management for Space Electronics (ATMS) funded by Airbus Endeavr Wales. The project investigates novel laser-based surface engineering techniques and synthetic graphite applications to enhance heat dissipation in aerospace electronic components.The post holder will be responsible for designing and conducting experimental and computational studies to evaluate the thermal performance of laser-structured surfaces. This will involve materials processing, microscopy, vacuum testing, and heat transfer simulations, in addition to liaising with academic and industrial collaborators and contributing to publications and reports.Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out laser surface modification experiments using ultrafast and nanosecond lasers to improve thermal emissivity and conductivity of metallic and graphite-based materials.
• Perform detailed surface and thermal characterisation using SEM, confocal microscopy, infrared imaging, and vacuum-based testing setups.
• Develop and apply computational models (e.g. FEKO or other suitable tools) to simulate and optimise heat transfer on structured surfaces.
• Collaborate with project partners, including Teledyne Labtech and Airbus, to ensure alignment of technical goals, exchange data, and contribute to joint milestones.
• Assist in procurement, equipment setup, and project resource coordination, ensuring adherence to research timelines.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research through journal publications, conference presentations, and industrial reports.
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, analyse and interpret data, and support preparation of regular progress updates for the project steering group.
• Participate in the wider academic activities of the School and contribute to student supervision or mentoring when appropriate.
• Support the Principal Investigator in developing follow-on research proposals and broader impact strategies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person SpecificationQualifications/TrainingEssential:

• PhD (or near completion) in laser materials processing, photonics, physics, mechanical engineering, or materials science.

Desirable:

• Training in vacuum systems or thermal analysis techniques.

Experience/KnowledgeEssential

• Demonstrated experience with pulsed laser systems (femtosecond, picosecond, or nanosecond) for material processing.
• Experience in surface and thermal characterisation (e.g. SEM, IR thermography, or confocal microscopy).
• Experience in adjusting optical focusing system.
• Proven record of research publications and conference contributions.

Desirable

• Experience with modelling software for thermal or electromagnetic simulations (e.g. FEKO, COMSOL).
• Prior involvement in industry-collaborative or multidisciplinary projects.

Skills/AbilitiesEssential

• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.
• No specific Welsh language requirement. Candidates will be expected to work positively in a bilingual environment.

Desirable

• Demonstrate proven project management skills.
• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel, and one of engineering modelling/simulation software (e.g. COMSOL, Ansys).
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.

GeneralThe University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.We are a member of Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University’s policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) . If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa –Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University’s Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Expected salary

Location

Bangor, Co Down

Job date

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:45:02 GMT

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