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The role

A 12-month post-doctoral Senior Research Associate position is available at the University of Bristol to implement the remarkable acoustic properties of biological metamaterials into bio-inspired sound absorber prototypes and reach incorporation readiness for a University spinout Attacus Acoustics. The role is co-funded by a BBSRC Follow-on fund (Biomimetic Microperforated Sound Absorbers) and an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Award (Attacus Metasurface - A leap towards market readiness) and aims at further advancing our prototypes, contributing to the creation of a spinout company, and achieving market readiness. The role does not entail but aims to eventually lead to co-founding and c-level leadership.

This interdisciplinary research project sits between biology and mechanical engineering. We have used innovative research methods to characterize the acoustic metamaterial properties of scaled moth wings and showed that they have evolved in response to bat biosonar to provide acoustic camouflage (in analogy to visual camouflage). Our current bio-inspired sound absorber prototypes (patent pending) outperform existing noise control solutions, opening transformative noise control applications for many sizeable market segments. This post will build on our existing prototyping approaches to iteratively improve the performance and simplify the fabrication of bio-inspired sound absorber prototypes producing prototypes measuring several square-meters for acoustic characterisation. In collaboration with other team members this post will focus on the hitherto unexplored acoustic properties of the highly intricate 3-dimensional double-layered nano-porosity of moth wing scales aiming to add their functionality to existing prototype designs. The research will take place at Bristol University led by Professor Marc Holderied.

What will you be doing?

• Proactively contribute to or lead aspects of commercialisation activities, specifically reaching incorporation readiness.
• Contribute to development and optimisation of proof-of-concept prototypes of bio-inspired acoustic metamaterials for noise control solutions.
• Contribute to development of market-ready products.
• Contribute to potential IP generation.
• Ensure consistency in sampling and storing protocols across the project.
• Collaborate closely with the other researchers on the project.
• Contribute to developing publication and presenting findings in adequate platforms.
• Exhibiting technical and intellectual independence, being participative to all activities involving the other research-active members of the team, including meetings, and discussion groups.
• Working with the PI (Prof Marc Holderied) and other members of the team to ensure there is a roadmap to match deadlines and milestones, and continually review this roadmap on a weekly basis.
• Bring to the attention of managers any matters relating to the health and safety of staff, students and visitors

You should apply if

You have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area.

Essential

• Enthusiasm for impact generation and commercialisation.
• Commitment to, and enthusiasm for product development.
• Experience in biophysics and/or acoustic analysis and testing.
• Desire to work towards a university spinout company

Desirable

• Experience with impact generation and commercialisation
• Expertise in market analysis and product development
• Experience with working with (acoustic) metamaterials
• Experience with composite materials and prototyping

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Prof Marc Holderied; 44 117 3941190; marc.holderied@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding for 12 months)

Work pattern: 100% time

Grade: J

Salary: £42,882 - £48,149 per annum

School/Unit: School of Biological Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 6th August 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.