Research Fellow (BCC-Superalloys) – School of Metallurgy and Materials – 96647 – Grade 7 Full-time

Research Fellow

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a range of activities within the Materials for Extremes research group.

The Materials for Extremes research group seeks to discover fundamentally new alloys for extreme environments across nuclear fusion/fission reactors, aerospace gas turbines and concentrated solar power. This involves: (1) Alloy Design, supported by computation methods; (2) Production through arc melting, powder metallurgy or additive manufacturing; (3) Characterisation using advanced electron microscopy (SEM, EBSD, TEM), APT and x-ray diffraction methods; (4) Mechanical Testing and failure investigation, including macro-, micro- & in-situ testing, (5) Irradiation damage studies, using University of Birmingham's proton/neutron facilities.

The postholder will work on “bcc-superalloys” to achieve top scientific outputs with a focus on developing novel alloys with improved ductility and irradiation damage resilience. They will be closely supported in their own development, for example: learning new scientific skills, making funding applications & Fellowships, supervision/teaching opportunities, training courses, conferences, collaborative networks & academic/industrial secondments – UK and internationally.

The postholder will work within the specified research project, operating within these areas of specialism: alloy design & development, characterisation, mechanical & irradiation testing. They will analyse and interpret research findings and results, contribute to generating funding and contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and public understanding of the discipline.