Postdoctoral Research Associate in Laser Processing of Additively Manufactu

at  Heriot Watt University

Directorate:  School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Grade:  Grade 7 (£36,924-£46,485)
Contract Type:  Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will work on developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts.
This is an integral aspect of the project “Complete Additive Manufacturing of a Laser Chassis� which is part of the “Making Challenge� of the “Smart Products Made Smarter� Prosperity Partnership between Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, and Leonardo UK. https://spms.site.hw.ac.uk/
This major project of the partnership is focused on the design, manufacture, and test of a future industrial laser chassis, utilising powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing (AM) and advanced laser-based manufacturing . The project is split into three areas: 1. Optical, mechanical, and thermal design of a compact and robust laser, exploiting the existing capabilities of additive manufacturing; 2. Testing and analysing new concepts on metal 3D printed parts; 3. Developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts, specifically laser-based polishing of AM parts and ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to AM parts. This last aspect is the core responsibility of the new PDRA post.
The project is in close collaboration with Leonardo engineers, and university colleagues, who will jointly execute some of the project tasks. The PDRA will liaise with metal AM suppliers and the University of Edinburgh project team responsible for AM process development.
The successful candidate will be required to rapidly embrace the body of knowledge vested in the research teams and will grasp the technical challenges of developing and demonstrating laser-based processing of additively manufactured parts.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education & Qualifications: Essential Criteria

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position).
• Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation.
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility.

Skills & Experience: Essential Criteria

• Experience with relevant laser-based materials processing.
• Demonstrating strong experimental skills.
• Experience in contributing to the writing of scientific papers.
• Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal and commercially sensitive information.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

Education & Qualifications: Desirable Criteria

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD covering several of these areas:
• Laser-based materials processing with high power / ultra-short-pulse lasers.
• Laser-based additive manufacturing.
• Optical or Laser system design and development.
• System engineering principles and processes.
• Training in Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Modelling.
• Training in Design for Additive Manufacturing.

Skills & Experience: Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in a laser applications research environment.
• Demonstrating skills & experience in topics relevant to the project, including several of the following:
• Laser-based polishing of AM parts (CW and ns-pulsed lasers)
• Ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to structural components (ps- and fs-pulsed lasers)
• Advanced utilisation of powder-bed laser fusion metal additive manufacturing .
• Test methods of evaluating optical and mechanical parts subjected to thermal and environmental test conditions.
• Laser system set-up and maintenance for laser-based materials processing .

• We are looking for creative and highly motivated researchers willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings, as well as national and international conferences, whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students.
• The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models and data analysis.
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators; assisting in the development of student research skills, and contributing to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering.
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools.
  Is there room to grow? We encourage our researchers to find and follow their passion. We offer fantastic opportunities for learning, development and professional growth. This project will provide hands-on insight into, and potentially lead to, career opportunities at Leonardo. This is a chance of reinventing and developing your technical skillset during this exciting, challenging project. Learning on the job isn’t just a benefit : it’s a must.
  This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working.