Research Assistant in Materials Engineering (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering to study the mechanics of fusion materials and damage mechanisms. The role involves experimental research, mechanical testing (tensile, toughness, fatigue) at room and high temperatures, and advanced electron microscopy (EBSD, TEM) to understand deformation and fracture.

You will collaborate with Cambridge colleagues and external partners, prepare publications, and assist with grant administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with mechanical testing and microscopy.
• Familiarity with sample preparation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mechanical characterisation including tensile, toughness and fatigue testing at room and elevated temperatures.
• Perform electron microscopy characterization (EBSD, TEM).
• Analyse data and contribute to group meetings and publications.
• Develop equipment including a micronotcher, vacuum-furnace and cryogenic testing system.

Skills

Lab skills

Data analysis

Experimental research

Education

Bachelor's in Eng Sci

Master's preferred

Tools

EBSD

TEM

Job description

A position exists for a Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering, to work on mechanics of fusion materials. The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

We are starting a new research project focused on developing damage-tolerant materials for space and fusion-energy applications with an emphasis on refractory, body-centered cubic alloys, and high stacking fault energy alloys. Materials used in space and fusion systems must retain their structural integrity under extreme combinations of mechanical loading, temperature, and irradiation. These materials are often very brittle, but new processing techniques, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, can potentially mitigate this issue. The project will investigate the fundamental mechanisms that govern deformation and damage in these materials and use this understanding to identify new approaches to their design.

The role holder will conduct experimental research to characterise how candidate materials deform plastically (if at all) and resist fracture.

The work will involve performing mechanical characterisation including tensile, toughness and fatigue testing at room and elevated temperatures, performing electron microscopy characterisation including electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and analysing/interpreting the resulting data. The candidate will be familiar with ASTM E399, E1820, and E647, dislocation mechanics, and microscopy techniques. The job will also include developing equipment including a micronotcher, vacuum-furnace and cryogenic testing system. The findings will be used to establish a first principles understanding and for the development of materials with improved resistance to damage and neutron irradiation.

The role holder will work closely with other members of the research group at Cambridge and with external collaborators, including at Lawrence Livermore National Labs. They will be expected to contribute to group meetings, present their findings, prepare research publications, and assist with grant administration.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the roles are wide. The specific skills include excellent laboratory skills and data analysis capabilities.

The applicant is expected to have at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science or Materials Science and Engineering. A Master's degree is preferable.

Salary Range:

£33,662 - £36,320

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 months in the first instance.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.