Research Associate in ultrasonic non-destructive testing

University of Bristol; West of England; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing (UNDT) research group at the University of Bristol is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a project developing a 3D ultrasonic imaging framework for characterising local microstructural properties in polycrystalline materials. The role involves experimental testing, data generation, and collaboration with numerical modelling teams.

The position is full time with funding for up to 14 months and a salary in the Grade I range (£40,704 - £45,641

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in ultrasonic non-destructive testing.
• Hands-on experience with conventional microstructure characterization methods (e.g., EBSD).

Responsibilities

• Optimize and validate ultrasonic microstructural characterisation methods.
• Conduct experimental material testing and collect datasets.
• Support numerical modelling and ultrasonic measurement campaigns.

Skills

Ultrasonic NDT

Microstructure characterization

Education

PhD (or near completion) in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field

Job description

The interviews will take place shortly after the closing date

The Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing (UNDT) research group is seeking a Research Associate who will contribute to project "3D ultrasonic imaging for characterisation of critical microstructural locations in polycrystalline materials," which aims to develop a material characterisation framework based on using ultrasonic array measurements to create a volumetric map of local microstructural properties.

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of materials science, ultrasonic imaging, and advanced signal processing with significant benefits and applications in aerospace, nuclear, renewable and conventional energy, and other industrial sectors.

The UNDT group at the University of Bristol is a world leader in the application of ultrasonic arrays to NDE problems. The major initial development was the concept of Full Matrix Capture (FMC), which consists of recording signals from all transmitter-receiver array elements and then performing imaging in post-processing. This approach has completely transformed the use of ultrasonic arrays for NDE and is now available on most commercial platforms. Another significant achievement was related to the development of FMC based defect characterisation algorithms.

This post is full time and has funding for up to 14 months.

What will you be doing?

This role focuses on the optimisation and validation of ultrasonic microstructural characterisation methods. The successful candidate will perform experimental material testing using a range of conventional material characterisation techniques, generating datasets to support numerical modelling and ultrasonic measurements.

• A PhD (or near completion) in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field


• Research experience in ultrasonic non-destructive testing


• Hands-on experience in conventional microstructure characterisation methods (e.g. Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction)

Additional information

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog: https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 14 months

Work pattern: Full time/35 hours per week

Grade I - Pathway 2

Salary: £40,704 - £45,641 (Grade I) per annum

School/Unit: School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 10/11/26

For informal queries please contact: Alexander Velichko, Senior Lecturer [phone], [e-mail]

Our strategy and mission

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Available documents

• ACAD108735 - Research Associate - JD (3) (1).pdf