Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Mechanical Engineering

University of Hull; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to a project on next generation casting technologies for sustainable transportation. The successful candidate should have a PhD in materials science and experience in solidification and casting of metallic materials. Generous leave and training opportunities are offered, with applications closing on August 5, 2025.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Excellent training and development opportunities

Occupational pension scheme

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or close to completion) in materials science or suitable engineering disciplines.
• In-depth research knowledge of solidification and casting of metallic materials.
• Hands-on skills in real-time studies of liquid metal flow and solidification dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize aluminium-based alloys for casting.
• Conduct mechanical properties characterization of cast samples.
• Support research activities of project partners.
• Write experimental and progress reports and scientific papers.

Skills

Research experience in solidification and casting

Microstructure and mechanical properties characterization

Effective communication and presentation skills

Team player

Education

PhD degree in materials science and engineering

Job description

At University of Hull, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in University of Hull workplace.

These include people from global majority backgrounds; people who have a declared disability; LGBTQI+ people; and women particularly for our Grade 9 and 10 roles.

University of Hull is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university in North England, UK. Our university’s 2030 strategy is to develop and shape a fairer, brighter and carbon-neutral future. Our mission is to advance education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding through teaching and research, for the benefit of individuals and society at large. We have put environmental sustainability and social justice at the heart of our strategy. For more information please visit: https://www.hull.ac.uk/choose-hull/university-and-region/key-documents/strategic-plan

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow is to work on and contribute to the delivery of a collaborative project funded by EPSRC entitled ‘ Development of next generation disruptive mega-casting technologies for green and sustainable transportation vehicles (MegaCast) ’. Please see the very recent EPSRC announcement: https://www.ukri.org/news/new-research-hubs-to-cut-carbon-and-reshape-uk-manufacturing/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The duties that are required for this specific role includes:

• Designing, making and optimising aluminium-based alloys for high pressure die casting and other casting techniques.
• Nano, microstructure and mechanical properties characterization of the cast samples.
• In-situ and real-time studies of the fundamentals of liquid melt filling and solidification processes under different casting conditions.
• Supporting the research activities of other project partners to deliver the collaborative research objectives.
• Write experimental and project progress reports and final reports of the project.
• Write and deliver scientific presentations at internal seminars and project progress meetings, and at national and international conferences.
• Write and publish high quality research papers in high impact materials, metallurgy and manufacturing journals
• Work collaboratively with other members of the research group, including mutual assistance with research activities, and with external partners outside University of Hull.
  
  

The successful candidate should have:

• PhD degree (or close to completion) in materials science and engineering, manufacturing or other suitable engineering disciplines.
• Research experience in solidification and casting of metallic materials, and in-depth research knowledge and hands-on skills of microstructure and mechanical properties characterisation of metallic materials, in particular in-situ and real-time studies of the liquid metal flow and solidification dynamics using synchrotron X-rays.
• Good and effective communication and presentation skills and a good team player.
  
  

We offer a generous annual leave package, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme.

Closing date for applications: 5th Aug 2025

Interviews will take place on the week starting from 18 August 2025 virtually using Microsoft Teams.

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please click on the apply button.

All applicants should be eligible to live and work in the UK for the duration of any offer of appointment, for research posts.

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Further details:

• Job Description
• Candidate Pack
• Equality and Diversity Document
  
  

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.