Constellium Research Assistant/Fellow in High Performance 6xxx Extrusion Alloys for Automotive Applications: Microstructural Investigations by advanced characterization techniques

College / Directorate: Brunel Centre for Advance Solidification Technology

Full Time / Part Time: Full-time, fixed term up to 36 months

Posted Date: 16/11/2021

Closing Date: 14/12/2021

Salary (R1 Grade): £34,304 – £40,927 per annum plus £2,166 per annum London Weighting

Vacancy Ref: 14305

Ref No: 2760

Applications from suitably qualified and motivated individuals are invited for the position of Research Assistant/Fellow in High Performance 6xxx Extrusion Alloys for Automotive Applications: Microstructural Investigations by advanced characterization techniques, funded by our project partner Constellium, you will work on and develop a new generation of high-performance aluminium alloy. 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 further the advanced range of high performance extruded 6xxx aluminium alloys for structural automotive applications. The successful candidate will support the development of high performance 6xxx aluminium based crush alloys for structural automotive applications. You will support the development of ultra-high strength 6xxx aluminium alloys for structural automotive applications through understanding the microstructure evolution in high strength alloys through electron microscopy investigations. Candidate 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 a 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. Research experience in solidification & thermomechanical processing of metallic materials, skills in microstructural characterisation using advanced electron microscopy techniques and a working knowledge of various sample preparation techniques are essential. In addition, he/she 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). 

Completed applications should include a covering letter full CV and names and contacts of 3 referees.

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.

 Closing date for applications:  Tuesday 14th December 2021