Postdoctoral Research Officer

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Officer for a project on advanced laser-based surface modification techniques. The candidate will conduct research to enhance thermal emissivity and heat conduction for aerospace applications. Responsibilities include applying ultrafast laser techniques, developing nanostructures, and engaging in technical reporting. PhD is required. This is a full-time position based in the UK, with a possibility for remote work to support work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Educated to PhD level (or near completion) in laser materials processing or related field.
• Previous experience with pulsed lasers for material processing is required.
• Experience with surface and thermal characterization techniques is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on advanced laser-based surface modification techniques.
• Develop micro/nanostructures to enhance thermal properties.
• Perform characterization using various tools and techniques.
• Conduct computational modeling for surface design.
• Engage in technical reporting and academic publications.

Skills

Laser materials processing

Photonics

Thermal characterization techniques

Computational modeling

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

SEM

Confocal microscopy

Thermal imaging tools

Job description

BANGOR UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Postdoctoral Research Officer

(Ref: BU03852)

Salary: £38,249 - £45,413 p.a. (Grade 7)

Applications are invited for the above fixed-term, full-time post working in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangor University.

Duties will include contributing to an exciting research project focused on the development of advanced laser-based surface modification techniques to enhance thermal emissivity and heat conduction of metal surfaces (e.g. copper, stainless steel, and synthetic graphite) for aerospace applications. The role forms part of a collaborative programme involving leading industry partners, including Airbus and Teledyne Labtech.

The successful candidate will:
• Apply ultrafast and nanosecond laser processing techniques to engineer surfaces with improved thermal performance.
• Develop micro/nanostructures to enhance infrared radiation and conductive heat transfer properties.
• Perform characterization using SEM, confocal microscopy, and thermal imaging tools.
• Use computational modeling to guide surface design and analyze thermal behaviour.
• Conduct vacuum testing to simulate and validate performance under space-like conditions.
• Contribute to technical reporting, academic publications, and industrial engagement.
•
Candidates should be educated to PhD level (or near completion) in laser materials processing, photonics, or a related discipline such as physics, mechanical engineering, or materials science, and have previous experience in using pulsed lasers (femtosecond, picosecond, or nanosecond) for material processing. Experience with surface and thermal characterization techniques, and computational simulation of heat transfer, is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence on 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and the role is available to 30 September 2026 initially, with a possibility of extension subject to external funding.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will only be accepted via our online recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Professor Zengbo Wang, email: [e-mail]

Closing date for applications: 20 August 2025

Committed To Equal Opportunities