Research Associate

at  Heriot Watt University

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Salary: Grade 7 (£36,924-£46,485)
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (7 Months)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). 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

JOB SUMMARY

The Applied Photonics group at HWU specialises in the application of photonic technologies to solve a range of scientific, industrial, and medical problems. The group consists of ~30 researchers, PhD candidates and academics and maintains a suite of laboratories that include high power laser manufacturing, optical diagnostics, materials testing, fibre optics and fibre optic-based sensing research.
We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher with experience in LPBF, whose research experience will strongly complement our existing capabilities for the pragmatic improvement of existing metal AM techniques and the development of new metal AM technologies, through combined experiments, measurement and modelling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The broad application of metal AM faces critical challenges, such as the need for improved process control to eradicate build errors and enhancing productivity to make the technology cost-effective. Issues like porosity and residual stresses in printed parts can compromise mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy. Consequently, there is a pressing need for advanced research to move beyond the current requirement of part-specific print development to ensure quality and reliability.
The successful applicant will work in collaboration with leading industrial partners and will have the chance to work in state-of-the-art experimental research facilities. The primary goal is to develop a deep understanding of the in-process mechanisms leading to build defects in metal AM. By integrating this knowledge with sophisticated modelling approaches, this project aims to revolutionize the field, enabling the direct manufacturing of safety-critical, high-quality metal parts from digital files, thereby eliminating the need for trial-and-error in build development. This research will also focus on expanding the capabilities of powder-bed AM processes for increasingly complex geometries and new material types.

• Be an integral part of the project team that aims to conduct cutting-edge research to push the boundaries of metal AM technology, and specifically LPBF.
• Contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision-making process, then implementing the experiments, theoretical models and data analysis.
• Contribute to, and where appropriate take the lead in, writing research reports and papers, and publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

General tasks will involve:

• Scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; presentation of research at regular group and project meetings to report and review progress.
• Compile design reports; liaise with manufacturers and suppliers; and collaborate with senior and junior research team members.
• Implementing research to achieve overall project milestones according to an agreed timetable, whilst also providing day-to-day supervising and mentoring of undergraduate students and postgraduate students where appropriate.
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• Contributing to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Engineering.