Post Title: Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling of Lightweight Aerospace Structures
SBU/Department: School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
FTE: 1 FTE (working 37 hours per week)
Duration of Contract: Fixed term (Ends May 2026)
Salary: UH7 £37,099 pa with potential to progress to £44,263pa by annual increments
Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
Main duties and responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the evolution of an ongoing research programme on the numerical modelling of lightweight aerospace structures subjected to impact loading. The post requires expert knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas: (i) development of numerical modelling tools (preferably meshless methods such as the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method); (ii) dynamic response (crashworthiness, impact loading) of lightweight structures (aerospace, automotive preferably); (iii) advanced modelling techniques such as multi-scale modelling or task-based parallelism; (iv) modelling of manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, resin infusion, welding.
Contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct the project as opportunities allow, is expected. In addition, the successful candidate may contribute to the further development of high speed impact test facility (birstrike, ice and debris impact) and may be given the opportunity to contribute to relevant teaching.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake research within the scope of the project, establishing a programme of research activity working collaboratively with colleagues at UH and partner organisations.
The postholder will seek external funding as appropriate and disseminate the outcomes of the project in publications, at conferences and through other appropriate media. It is expected that the successful candidate will create opportunities to maximise research activities, capturing relevant evidence to support impact and engaging with external partners and stakeholders.
Skills and experience required
The post holder will require experience in software development for numerically solving solid mechanics problems and/or in application of advanced modelling techniques for lightweight structures or manufacturing processes. In addition, experience with structures and materials testing techniques is desired.
You will require excellent relevant computer skills such as simulations software use (e.g. hydrocodes such as LS-Dyna), programming (e.g. Fortran, C++, svn, CMake) and data processing skills (e.g. Matlab, Python). You will have demonstrated the ability to plan and manage your own activities effectively. You will have great interpersonal and presentation skills with attention to detail and be able to communicate effectively in both spoken and written English.
Qualifications required
You will require an undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and a PhD (or equivalent qualification), or close to completion of PhD (no more than 3 months prior to viva) in a relevant subject area, or equivalent experience.
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.
An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:
Dr Tom De Vuyst ([email protected]) – Reader in Aerospace Structures - Materials & Structures Research Group
Dr Antonios Kanellopoulos ([email protected]) – Head of Civil Engineering & Built Environment – Head of Materials & Structures Research Group
Closing Date : 08 July 2024
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: 059395
Date advert placed: 04 June 2024
Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts