Research Associate/Fellow in Optimisation for 3D Printing (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham School of Humanities; Campus (IL); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham invites applications for an 18-month research software development role as part of the EPSRC Programme Grant on Dialling Up Performance for On Demand Manufacturing. The post focuses on creating tools to optimise biocatalytic flow reactors and propose more efficient geometries.

Applicants should have a PhD in engineering, physics or related field and be proficient in Python or Matlab.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, physics or related discipline (or near completion).
• Proficiency with Python or Matlab for scientific computing is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational framework for biocatalytic flow reactors to enable design optimisation.
• Apply optimisation techniques to identify new geometrical configurations for reactors.
• Contribute to publications and present research at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers across engineering, catalysis, optimisation and computational modelling.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

PhD in engineering, physics or related discipline

Tools

Python

Matlab

Job description

Salary £32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Area Engineering Location Jubilee Campus Salary £32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Closing Date Friday 30 October 2026 Reference ENG0484726 This post is part of the EPSRC Programme Grant “Dialling Up Performance for On Demand Manufacturing”. This project aims to develop a TOOLKIT to enable the rapid formulation of 3D printable materials into products. This toolkit will be composed of an integrated suite of software and experimental tools and will be informed by the collection of data en route to the development of advanced 3D printed products. The focus of this specific role is the development of software tools that support the development of TOOLKIT: to develop and use optimisation techniques to determine new geometrical configurations suitable for a range of products. Initially this will be aimed at biocatalytic flow reactors, but it is anticipated that other applications may be considered. This is an interdisciplinary collaboration that will require working with researchers across engineering, catalysis, optimisation and computational modelling. Your role will be to develop and advance the computational framework describing biocatalytic flow reactors to enable design optimisation to be performed, and new, more efficient designs to be proposed and manufactured. You will aid in writing publications, present research at national and international conferences and liaise with collaborators. You will be given support to develop and shape your future career, and hence this position may be particularly attractive to those looking to develop their research independence and leadership skills in a supportive and team-oriented environment. You must have (or about to complete) a PhD in engineering, physics or a related discipline. A demonstrable ability to use scientific languages and packages, such as Python or Matlab, is essential and a knowledge of 3D printing and related techniques is desirable. You will have good interpersonal skills and the ability of working in a team to tight deadlines. The CV and/or cover letter should clearly exemplify how you meet the criteria highlighted herein and in the Role Profile and describe your motivation for applying for this position. The post is for a period of 18 months and is based in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The position is available from 1st November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full time (36.25 hours/week) position, but flexible working times and a small amount of home working are possible to support those with specific requirements. We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Ricky Wildman ([e-mail])). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. Further Details

• Job Description/Role Profile

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme. We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award. To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.