Research Assistant/Fellow - 12636-1
Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST)
Position: Constellium Research Assistant/Fellow in DC casting of Aluminium Alloys - High Performance Free Machining Alloys – Position no: 12636 - 1
Contract Type: Full-time, fixed term – 36 months
Salary (R1 Grade): £30,497 - £40,927 per annum plus £2,166 per annum London Weighting.
Applications from suitably qualified and motivated individuals are invited for the position of Constellium Research Assistant in DC casting of Aluminium Alloys - High Performance Free Machining Alloys, funded by our project partner Constellium, you will work on and develop advanced wrought aluminium alloys for free machining applications. BCAST and Constellium under their shared vision on full metal recirculation has worked together to realise this goal through understanding the microstructure evolution during liquid metal and downstream processing. With a shared vision, BCAST and Constellium work closely researching solidification and casting especially in the area of DC casting and solidification associated technologies.
BCAST is a speciality research centre focusing on solidification related research with an international reputation and is the host of the national centre of excellence in liquid metal engineering – The Future Liquid Metal Engineering Hub (Future LiME Hub). BCAST is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for both solidification processing and materials characterisation. See https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/BCAST for more information. Both the AMCC & AMPC form a state-of-the-art scale up facility that bridges the gap between fundamental research and full-scale industrialisation and is aimed at meeting the short, medium and long term needs of the automotive industry. At present BCAST is in the process of developing our characterisation facilities to global state of the art facilities.
The aim of this post is to develop advanced wrought aluminium alloys for free machining applications (including automotive applications) meeting the required product performance and legislation frame. In addition to proposing alternative element additions to specific aluminium alloy systems, within the scope will be the development of novel DC casting processes and melt treatments for supporting the desired microstructure in the final product as well as generating an in-depth understanding of chip-breaking mechanisms. Candidates should have a good understanding of light metal metallurgy especially aluminium alloy metallurgy, an understanding of precipitation processes in light metals would be advantageous. You will also be expected to interact with other researchers in BCAST and research engineers from Constellium.
The successful candidate should have a minimum qualification of PhD degree (or working towards) in materials science, metallurgy and engineering, physics or another suitable engineering discipline, and should have a sound background in physical metallurgy. Experience in experimental solidification & casting research as well as microstructural characterisation using various microscopy techniques. Knowledge of mechanical testing of metallic materials. In addition, you should have good communication and presentation skills and be a team player.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Zhongyun Fan (zhongyun.fan@brunel.ac.uk) or Dr Chamini Mendis (chamini.mendis@brunel.ac.uk).
Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible for home tuition fees through either nationality, residency (living in the UK for at least three years and not wholly for educational purposes) or other connection to the UK.
PhD in materials science, metallurgy, Materials engineering, physics, chemistry or another related discipline OR Attained equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. (Minimum 4 years). Evidence of research attainments including examples of written contributions in academic publications/journals.
Person Specification
A strong background in physical metallurgy with particular emphasis on light alloys, thermos mechanical processing and solidification.
A working knowledge of mechanical testing of metallic materials Experience in experimental solidification & casting research Experience in microstructural characterisation using various microscopy techniques Evidence of IT literacy including Excel and databases. Provide evidence of independent, original research. Experience of organising and supervising a project team.
Proven experience of planning research, preparing research proposals and negotiating contracts with little supervision.
Good communication skills both verbal and written – particularly when demonstrating the results of own research to both specialists and non-specialists. Ability to draft research papers for Publication in appropriate Academic Journals. Ability to work largely on own initiative with minimum supervision. Ability to give presentations at academic/non academic conferences and meetings.
How to Apply
Closing date for applications: 6 April 2022
Complete application documents, including a covering letter quoting the Job reference, Application Form, Full CV, and Names and Contact Details of three referees.
Remember to state the title of the project at the top of your personal statement.
Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We support flexible working. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.