Research Fellow in Design and Qualification of Austenitic Steels for Creep-Fatigue

University of Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southampton seeks a Research Fellow in Design and Qualification of Austenitic Steels for Creep-Fatigue. This role focuses on innovative alloy development and high-throughput testing methods, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary research and PhD supervision.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Onsite childcare

Mentorship programs

Women-oriented networks

Qualifications

• Educational background in metals and alloys.
• Experience with high-temperature mechanical testing.
• Interest in data curation.

Responsibilities

• Design new alloy compositions using combinatorial experimentation.
• Establish high-throughput processing routes for testing.
• Develop high-throughput creep-fatigue testing procedures.

Skills

Data-driven methods

Machine learning

Python programming

Education

PhD in materials science

PhD in engineering

Tools

SEM

XRD

Job description

Research Fellow in Design and Qualification of Austenitic Steels for Creep-Fatigue

Join to apply for the Research Fellow in Design and Qualification of Austenitic Steels for Creep-Fatigue role at University of Southampton.

The long-term structural integrity of steam generators in high-temperature reactors depends on the performance of advanced austenitic stainless steels under creep and creep-fatigue conditions. Traditional alloy development relies on trial-and-error methods, which are slow and costly. This project aims to adopt a novel 'top-down' strategy to accelerate materials development for creep-fatigue environments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design new alloy compositions with improved phase stability using combinatorial experimentation and thermodynamics calculations.
2. Establish high-throughput processing routes for efficient characterization and testing of multiple compositions.
3. Develop high-throughput creep-fatigue testing procedures with full-field strain measurements at high temperatures.

Candidate Requirements:

• Educational background or experience in metals and alloys, including alloy design principles and CALPHAD approach.
• Experience with directed energy deposition additive manufacturing, characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD), and high-temperature mechanical testing.
• Interest or experience in data-driven methods, machine learning, Python programming, or data curation.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in materials science, engineering, or a related field. The role involves interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials science, data science, and manufacturing, with opportunities to supervise PhD students.

Additional Information:

• The title of Research Fellow will be awarded upon PhD completion; prior to this, the position is titled Senior Research Assistant.

We value diversity and offer flexible working arrangements, onsite childcare, mentorship programs, and women-oriented networks.