Research Associate in flow-based ultrasonic processing

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days leave

Pension

Flexible working

Health & wellbeing

Job summary

University of Glasgow invites applications for a PhD-level role within the SoundCHEM project, focusing on flow-based ultrasonic systems for sustainable chemical processing. The post requires experimental ultrasonics work, transducer fabrication, and active collaboration with industry partners.

You will supervise students, contribute to publications and participate in grant activities. The role offers a supportive, inclusive environment with ample career development opportunities and access to

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field with research independence.
• Strong knowledge of ultrasonics, cavitation, transducer design and fabrication.
• Proven MATLAB data analysis and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct research activities aligned with project goals and deliverables.
• Document and present data, progress, and findings with clear records.
• Develop and sustain collaborations with industrial partners and academic colleagues.
• Identify funding sources and assist in proposal development.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentor team members.
• Contribute to teaching and administration as required.
• Keep up-to-date with advances in ultrasonics and related technologies.

Skills

MATLAB

Transducer design

Communication

Time management

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

COMSOL

Abaqus

Job description

Overview & background

Sonochemistry and sonoprocessing refer to the application of ultrasound to enhance chemical reactions and material processing. Acoustic cavitation is well known to play a crucial role in mediating the underpinning effects. Despite nearly a century of sonochemistry research, and substantial literature demonstrating many applications at bench-scale, industrial translation and integration remains limited.

At C-MIU, we are developing the tube transducer as a new source of power ultrasound, inherently amenable to flow-processing for industrially relevant throughput [CEPPI 225 110813 (2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2026.110813

The role

You will develop flow-based ultrasonic systems for applications selected by impact, in terms of sustainability. Substantial optimisation of systemic and ultrasonic parameters will be necessary. You will interact with a significant network of existing industrial partners, as well as fostering new collaborations.

What we offer

• A world-class ultrasonics research laboratory infrastructure.
• State-of-the-art experimental capabilities including transducer development and fabrication facilities, ultra-high-speed imaging and acoustic detection for cavitation characterisation.
• A vibrant team of world-leading researchers, working across the full spectrum of ultrasound applications, key collaborators throughout the UK and beyond.
• An abundance of career development opportunities.

What we are after

• A PhD in a relevant engineering or physics-based topic.
• Experimental experience with ultrasonics, transducer fabrication and acoustic cavitation.
• We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups historically under-represented in STEM, and are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment.

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the SoundCHEM project Scalable Sound Solutions to Sustainable Chemical Processes, working with Dr Paul Prentice and colleagues. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project.

The successful candidate will also be expected to develop their own career through supervision of PhD and MSc students, presenting at and organising conferences, seminars and workshops in the relevant areas, as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/SoundCHEM project, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.
11. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/ Qualifications

• A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
• A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose.
• A3 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose and ultrasonics, acoustic cavitation, transducer design and fabrication, equipment and techniques relating to the development of power ultrasound systems.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Extensive MATLAB (or equivalent) skills, for data analysis/interpretation relevant to ultrasonics applications.
• C2 Transducer design, optimisation and fabrication.
• C3 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
• C4 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

Desirable:

• D1 Software skills including finite element analysis, such as COMSOL or Abaqus

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.
• E2 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.
• E3 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
• E4 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.
• E5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Desirable:

• F1 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.
• F2 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.
• F3 Experience in collaborating with industrial partners and stakeholders.
• F4 Experience in flow systems and hardware assembly.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available until 30 September 2029 in the first instance.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/ , benefits and discount packages.
• 3 A flexible approach to working.
• 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 21 October 2026 at 23:45pm