Research Fellow (Advanced Manufacturing of High Temperature Alloys) Metallurgy and Materials 106882 Grade 7

Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade: 7

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to 31 March 2028

Closing date: 3 March 2026

Background

We are looking for a research fellow with expertise in advanced manufacturing especially additive manufacturing such as powder bed fusion direct energy deposition physical metallurgy or advanced characterisation (microscopic or mechanical). The successful candidate will carry out research and manufacturing process evaluation to produce structural metallic materials. The applicant will work on a research project focussing on manufacturing and characterisation of metals and alloys for challenging environments including for aerospace and nuclear applications.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to management of project and research facility.
Operate within area of specialism (manufacturing characterisation and testing of high temperature metals and alloys)
Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Contribute to generating funding
Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues asset or company sales IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
Contribute to writing bids for research funding
Analyse and interpret data
Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc
Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
Undertake management/administration arising from research
Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
Contribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leader
Contribute to teaching activities for undergraduate/graduate students if required.
Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews *
Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters *
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

First degree in area of materials manufacturing mechanical engineering solid state physics or a related discipline.
Doctoral degree (such as PhD) or close to completion of a doctoral degree relevant to advanced manufacturing physical metallurgy or advanced characterisation.
A track record or a demonstrable potential of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
High level experimental and analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Fluency in relevant modelling tools techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

An ideal candidate should have some or all of the following attributes:

Experience in metal additive manufacturing using laser powder bed fusion and/or electron beam melting and/or powder processes such as hot isostatic pressing cold compaction.
CAD experience
Practical experience/knowledge of microstructural characterisation and mechanical testing
Good organisational communication and interpersonal skills.
Good report writing skills and the ability to present results using Powerpoint.

Informal enquiries to Tony Tang (Assistant Professor) -

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.