Research Fellow in Composite Materials

Mechanical Engineering

Location:  

Highfield Campus

Salary:  

£34,980 to £41,732
Per annum

Full Time Fixed Term for 12 months

Closing Date:  

Wednesday 11 October 2023

Interview Date:  

To be confirmed

Reference:  

2442523DA

A Research Fellow in Composite Materials is required to apply recent developments in self-sensing hybrid composites at the University of Southampton to composite pipes produced by Magma Global Limited, a UK manufacturer of world’s most advanced subsea thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP), to deliver an exciting structural health monitoring method. The role offers the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative and exciting research ideas and technologies on the market today. 

This will be part of a collaborative project between the University of Southampton and Magma Global Ltd, awarded by EPSRC.   Support and expertise will be provided from both the University of Southampton (Engineering Materials research group) and from the Magma Global Engineering Leadership team. The recruited Research Fellow will have a unique opportunity for further career development, expanding their wider commercial and project management experience. 

The Research Fellow will be predominately based on site at Highfield Campus in Southampton, meeting weekly with the University of Southampton academic team. The Research Fellow will be required to address challenges to apply novel hybrid sensors to thermoplastic pipes to enhance the Technology Readiness Level of the approach from 2-3 to 4-5. Access to the University of Southampton specialist facilities is available when required to aid with the delivery of this project.

The Research Fellow will work with various internal and external stakeholders to work towards commercialising and embedding the knowledge and tools they will develop.

 About Magma Global Ltd

Magma Global are an innovative technology company manufacturing on site novel Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) for energy transfer. TCP simplifies subsea architecture due to its low-weight, high-strength, flexible design.  The site in Portsmouth holds advanced robotic manufacturing facilities as well as state of the art testing equipment.

The responsibilities of the Research Fellow will include:

• To manufacture small and medium size sensors compatible with the thermos-plastic pipes and test and validate them at lab-scale before integrating them on the pipes
• Development of novel and advanced analysis methodologies and numerical modelling techniques to find optimum integration configuration and method
• Planning and conducting testing campaigns
• Use of advanced experimental techniques to assess the performance of the applied structural health monitoring system
• Present project progress and project management updates at quarterly management meetings
• Project management documentation
• Undertake personal development and training

The successful Research Fellow will have the following skills, experience and attributes:

• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant subject area – Essential requirement
• Knowledge and experience in electrical behaviour of carbon fibre composites – Essential requirement 
• Experience of finite element analysis (FEA) simulations – Essential requirement
  • Ideally with experience modelling fibre-reinforced composite materials – Desirable requirement
  • Experience of electrical modelling using FEA – Desirable requirement
• Data processing or programming experience in Excel, ImageJ/Fiji, Python, LabVIEW or similar packages/languages – Desirable requirement.
• Awareness of project management tools and techniques – Desirable requirement
• Energy and enthusiasm for tackling challenging engineering problems and problem solving capabilities – Essential requirement.
• Strong communication skills to disseminate information and provide progress updates – Essential requirement.
• Willingness to acquire and develop commercial acumen.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

For informal enquiry, please Dr Meisam Jalalvand at [email protected] .

Further details:

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by midnight on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or [email protected] quoting the job number.