Research Associate in Polymers for Sustainable HV Cable Insulation

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is offering a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in materials science focused on developing advanced insulation materials for high-voltage applications. This role is part of an innovative project aiming to enhance the sustainability of electrical grids by studying the performance of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) under various conditions. Candidates will engage with top-tier academic and industrial partners to contribute to groundbreaking research that supports EU climate neutrality goals by 2050.

Benefits

Market leading Pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas

Discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science or a related field is essential.
• Knowledge of polymeric insulation materials is required.
• Experience in characterisation techniques including molecular weight distribution and degree of crosslinking.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the morphological characterisation of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
• Collaborate with European partners to address renewable energy challenges.
• Conduct studies on molecular weight distributions and their effects on electrical performance.

Skills

Material Science

Polymeric Insulation

Thermal-Mechanical Modelling

Characterization Techniques

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Job description

Background

A Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious materials scientist to undertake research in the project: developing accelerating DC DYNAMIC cable technology for sustainable european electricity grid (DCDYNAMIC), a Horizon European collaboration focused on developing advanced insulation materials for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) applications.

The project aims to understand the morphology of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) in HVDC insulation. In particular, the work will investigate virgin XLPE, aged XLPE and the products from recycling XLP. These studies will include detailed characterisation of molecular weight distributions, degree of crosslinking, thermal-mechanical modelling and microstructural features that influence electrical performance.

Overall Purpose of the Job

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious materials scientist to be part of the DCDYNAMIC project, a European initiative aimed at supporting the EU's climate neutrality goals by 2050. The project focuses on the development of a high-voltage dynamic export cable to enable the reliable connection of floating offshore wind farms to the electrical grid. These cables must withstand harsh marine environments whilst maintaining their performance under dynamic mechanical stresses.

The successful candidate will be focusing on the morphological characterisation of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), related polymeric insulation materials and the products from their recycling. The role involves investigating how polymer structure, including molecular weight distribution, degree of crosslinking, and crystallinity, affects the long-term performance of XLPE under operational conditions.

This research will contribute to the development of a more resilient and efficient offshore energy infrastructure. The post holder will work closely with European academic and industrial partners, integrating advanced materials science with high-voltage engineering to address one of the key challenges in renewable energy transmission.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

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

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Manager: Prof Ian Kinloch & Dr Lujia (Tony) Chen

Email: [e-mail] / [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.