Research Associate (Fixed Term)

at  University of Cambridge

The Department of Architecture is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join our Centre for Natural Material Innovation (CNMI). The role-holder will work on CNMI’s Horizon Europe funded research project, ‘UPWEARS: Sustainable solutions for upgraded smart wearables and equipment in sport’.
This is a full-time, fixed-term role, based in Cambridge, with funding for 39 months. The role-holder will work in close collaboration with colleagues at INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, Coordinator of UPWEARS), and have the opportunity for short-term research visits to INRAE (Nantes).
The textile industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution due to issues like dyes and microplastics, water and energy consumption, and end-of-life waste generation. With 15 international partners, UPWEARS aims to develop a new generation of recyclable biobased e-textiles for smart, multi-functional wearables in sport. The role-holder will contribute to a primary goal of UPWEARS: to use concepts inspired by nature to achieve upgraded performance of technical textiles such as shock absorbance, breathability, and bioluminescence.
Working with colleagues at the CNMI and in the consortium of academic and industry partners, this position will suit candidates with an interdisciplinary collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and a background (PhD or equivalent experience) in biomimetics, bioengineering, biology, materials science, textile engineering or related areas. A track record of research excellence, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and enthusiasm for active experimentation is critical.

The principle research objectives include:

• define specifications for biomimetic designs for e-textiles (e.g. breathability, shock absorbance, bioluminescence)
• benchmark function-structure-property relations in natural materials, structures, and systems as models that can be mimicked
• use multi-scale characterisation techniques to examine selected natural systems, and classify the mechanisms and approaches for desired functionalities
• contribute to the translation of the desired mechanisms, behaviours, and functionalities into processes (e.g. AI-led woven textile architectures), designs (e.g. composite layers with foams and additive manufacturing), and prototypes.

A pro-active approach to hypothesis, experiment and theory, as well as sustainability more generally, will ensure that the workload is both exciting and fulfilling. There may be opportunities to supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in related research projects.
It is an exciting time to join a rapidly-growing Department, and the wider research community within the School of Arts and Humanities, and University.
Please see the further particulars document below for further information about the role. Please see the final page for ‘How to Apply’. On the online application form you should explain the reasons for applying and set out clearly how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role listed in the Further Information document, along with relevant examples.
For queries about the application process, please email sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 1 September 2024. Interviews of shortlisted candidates are expected to take place on or around 9 September 2024.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference GC42486 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
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Please refer the Job description for details