Research Associate/Fellow in Software Tools for 3D Printing

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working times

Partial home working

Job summary

University of Nottingham is seeking a researcher to develop software tools supporting the TOOLKIT for rapid formulation of 3D printable materials into products.

The role focuses on machine learning and computational methods to predict printing outcomes, data collection, and automated screening tools. Collaboration with Strathclyde, Loughborough and Nottingham will be essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, data science or equivalent.
• Experience coding in scientific languages and packages.
• Experience with 3D printing and computational modelling desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and use machine learning and computational tools to predict 3D printing outcomes.
• Collect and curate experimental and simulation data.
• Develop automated computational screening tools and analytical methods.
• Collaborate with Strathclyde, Loughborough and Nottingham teams to create an open source platform.

Skills

Python

R

Machine learning

Computational modelling

3D printing

Education

PhD in engineering or data science

Tools

Git

TensorFlow

NumPy

Job description

Area: Engineering

Location: Jubilee Campus

This post is part of the EPSRC Programme Grant “Dialling Up Performance for On Demand Manufacturing”. This project aims to develop a TOOLKIT to enable the rapid formulation of 3D printable materials into products. This toolkit will be composed of an integrated suite of software and experimental tools and will be informed by the collection of data en route to the development of advanced 3D printed products. The focus of this specific role is the development of software tools that support the development of TOOLKIT: to develop and use machine learning and other computational tools to predict 3D printing outcomes. This will require the collection and curation of relevant experimental and simulation data, the development of automated computational screening tools and the development of analytical methods that can be used to support decision making. This is an interdisciplinary collaboration that will require working with teams in Strathclyde, Loughborough and Nottingham to create a usable open source platform for automating the 3D printing workflow.

As part of the role, you will aid in writing publications, present research at national and international conferences and liaise with collaborators. You will be given support to develop and shape your future career, and hence this position may be particularly attractive to those looking to develop their research independence and leadership skills in a supportive and team-oriented environment.

You must have (or about to complete) a PhD in engineering, data science or equivalent degree. Experience in coding in scientific languages and packages is essential with experience in 3D printing and computational modelling desirable. You will have good interpersonal skills and the ability of working in a team to tight deadlines. The CV and/or cover letter should clearly exemplify how you meet the criteria highlighted herein and in the Role Profile and describe your motivation for applying for this position.

The post is for a period of 18 months and is based in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The position is available from 1st November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full time (36.25 hours/week) position, but flexible working times and a small amount of home working are possible to support those with specific requirements. We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Ricky Wildman ([e-mail]).

Further details:

Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swand Gold Award.

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Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

£32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.